On April 8 & 9 avid readers from southeast Iowa competed in the Great Prairie Area Education Agency Battle of the Books competition by reading and studying 30 select books from varied authors, genres, time periods, and cultures. It was a big task, but the students worked together to collectively read the titles–meaning each student read a portion of the list. However, some students undertook the daunting task of reading all 30 books prior to the regional competition.
Teams were allowed one hour to complete a 60-question, short answer test. While the tests were being scored, students enjoyed a presentation by Iowa author, Sarah Prineas. Students were able to purchase books by the author and have them autographed. Five teams qualified to advance to the oral round, where teams were challenged with additional questions. Medals are awarded for first, second, and third places.
Thank you to the following Districts (teams) that participated:
Elementary: Albia, Burlington Notre Dame, Davis County, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Holy Trinity, Keokuk, Lynnville-Sully, Mediapolis, Melcher-Dallas, Moravia, Morning Sun, Oskaloosa, Sigourney, Southeast Warren, WACO, Wapello, Wayne, and Winfield-Mt. Union
Middle School: Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Clear Creek Amana, College Community, Davis County, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Holy Trinity, Indianola, Keokuk, Lynnville-Sully, Mediapolis, Melcher-Dallas, Mount Pleasant, Newton, North Mahaska, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, WACO, Southeast Warren
Congratulations to the top five finishing teams:
Elementary
- 1st – Fort Madison
- 2nd – Oskaloosa
- 3rd – Albia
- 4th – Lynnville-Sully
- 5th – Morning Sun
1st Place Elementary – Fort Madison
Middle School
- 1st – Indianola
- 2nd – Ottumwa
- 3rd – Mediapolis
- 4th – WACO
- 5th – Fort Madison
Congratulations to all students and teams for a job well done! A special thank you to GPAEA Media Specialist Jane Frizzell (and her team) for organizing a fun and successful event!
The GPAEA Battle of the Books is open to students in grades 3 through middle school, with separate competitions for elementary and middle school students.
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