Students at all elementary and middle schools in the Rowan-Salisbury School System spend part of each year reading and practicing for the Battle of the Books competition.
The purpose of the Battle of the Books is to encourage reading by all students at the upper elementary and middle school level.
Students are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints by prominent authors in the area of young adult literature.
The game format creates interest and excitement in reading. Through the fun and excitement of the competition, students improve reading skills, mature in their choices of reading materials, and acquire a broader knowledge base.
This year. elementary teams read a total of 18 books and middle school teams read 27.
After months of preparation, they gathered to compete.
Because there are 20 elementary teams, they first compete in southwest and northeast semi-final competitions and the top three from each division compete for the county championship.
This year’s six teams included Bostian, Granite-Quarry, Koontz, Landis, North Rowan and Woodleaf.
Landis took first place and will represent the school system at the regional battle April 23 in Hickory. Second place went to Bostian and Granite Quarry finished third.
Southeast Middle School won the championship for middle school and will compete in the regional competition April 19 in Hickory. West Rowan Middle finished second and China Grove Middle placed third.