Competition was tough in the final round of Tournament of the Readers, but fifth graders in the Beautiful Book Bandits swiped the win.
The bandits – Selby Long, Lucia Chapell, Ariel Long, Ashlyn Ganey and Marina Loewen – battled the Book Whisperers – fourth graders Emily McPhetres, Arik Koverdan, Loyal Tormey, Nolan Wald and Seairra Oaks – during their lunch period Friday in the elementary school gym. The teams answered trivia questions about 12 books selected by school librarian Leigh Horner.
Some of the selections from a variety of genres like historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, mystery and classics included “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by CS Lewis, “Lost: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13” by Tod Olson and “Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer” by Kelly Jones.
Thirty-nine students in grades 3-6 participated in this year’s tournament, though it is also open to seventh and eighth graders. The students were encouraged to read all 12 books starting over winter break. They spent several lunches starting in late January in a double-elimination competition in the school library.
Volunteers read the books and wrote 40 questions each for competition, amounting to over 480 questions. Karen Garcia acted as host for each round, with Horner and Holly Davis as judges.
First, second and third place teams won prizes from Babbling Book, Sarah J’s, and Mountain Market. The first-place team also won a Harry Potter mug and a certificate for pizza from the Fireweed Restaurant.
Former librarian Rhonda Hinson started the tournament more than a decade ago as a local adaptation of “Battle of the Books,” a nationwide reading incentive competition.