What is the Battle of the Books?

The Battle of the Books has been a Burlington Public Library tradition since 1986. Teams of six students take turns trying to identify the titles and authors of books from questions about the characters, plot or setting. The teams with the highest point total for all games played compete in the Burlington Grand Battle, and the winners of the Grand Battle go on to compete in a Halton-wide Grand Battle of the Books!

Introduction to 'Battle of the Books' for new teachers and coaches.

Click here for results of the 2010 Competition.

The 2011 competition begins in early April, but registrations must be received by Friday, February 4, 2011. The 2011 registration forms will be available in December.

Permission to Use Images Form (must be submitted in order for team pictures to be displayed)

For more information about the Battle of the Books, please contact Marnie Griffin or Ingrid Birk-Robinson at Central Library, 905.639.3611 ext 136.

For lots of great reading and ideas to help prepare for the Battle, please visit our Book Reviews by BPL staff, our Canadian Authors page, and our lists of Award Winning Books. To get you started, here are lists of suggested books organized by author.

Suggested Author Booklist - Junior Level 204KB

Suggested Author Booklist - Senior Level 193KB

How is Battle of the Books played?

Teams compete to score points by identifying the titles, authors and characters of books from questions based on the plots and settings of familiar stories.

Try this sample question.

In which book does Charlotte help save Wilbur's life by showing what a special pig he is?

If you guessed that the title of the book is Charlotte's Web, give yourself 5 points. If you guessed that the author of the book is E.B. White, give yourself 3 points. You have just learned to play Battle of the Books!

Would you like to find out more about the Battle of the Books? Read the rules, then try some more questions for junior or senior teams!