About Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books is a fun team reading challenge for middle schoolers that turns great books into a friendly trivia competition! Students in grades 6–8 form teams, read a selected list of books, and then battle it out by answering questions all about what they’ve read. It’s a great way to dive into books, show what you know, and enjoy some team excitement with friends.
Teams are also encouraged to show their creativity with themed costumes inspired by their group name, with a separate prize awarded for the most creative team costumes.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Farmington Friends of the Library.
2026 Battle Details
Team Registration
- Opens Monday, February 2
- Closes Friday, March 27
Battle Date
- Friday, April 10, 7-9 p.m. at the Costick Activities Center
Books
Battle books are available in the teen area of both FCL locations once registration opens. The books selected for the 2026 battle are:
- Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
- Buzzing by Samuel Sattin
How It Works
Who Can Join?
- Open to students in grades 6–8 who live or attend school in Farmington or Farmington Hills (public, private, or homeschooled).
- Each student can only be on one team.
Form Your Team
- Teams should have 3–6 members. Teammates can come from the same school or different schools, as long as they live or go to school in Farmington or Farmington Hills.
- Pick a team name and find an adult team manager (like a parent, teacher, or another adult over 18).
What the Team Manager Does
- The adult manager fills out the registration form and helps keep the group organized.
- They help plan costumes if your team chooses (creative and fun, not expensive!) and help with transportation to the event. They also cheer the team on and help keep it fun!
Read the Books
- Teams read from a pre-selected book list. The more familiar you are with the stories, characters, and details, the better you’ll do in the Battle!
Battle Night Trivia
- At the event, teams answer book-based trivia questions. After discussion, the captain writes down the answer. Points are awarded for correct answers and bonus points for naming authors. Notes or looking in books during the competition isn’t allowed.
Prizes and Recognition
- Prizes are awarded to the top 3 teams in both the trivia and costume competitions.
Registration & Timeline
- Registration opens in February each year.
- The Battle takes place in April.
2025 Battle Winners
Trivia Winners
1st Place - Seasons Readers
2nd Place - Renaissance
3rd Place - Readers of the Lost Libraries
Costume Winners
1st Place - Down the Rabbit Hole
2nd Place - Book Barbarians
3rd Place - Bookstreet Boys
