Battle of the Books is an annual book based trivia tournament for Halton Hills' elementary school children in grades 3 through 8. 

Since we can’t get together in person this year, the libraries in Halton Hills, Burlington, Milton, and Oakville have joined forces to create a Battle of the Books Reading Program.

Meet the author: J. Torres

Join J. Torres, author of Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game, as he discusses how he writes his graphic novels. Hear more about his 2021 Silver Birch Express Nominated book and answer questions from students in Halton Hills. This author talk will be pre-recorded and will be released on April 21 at 2:00pm. An email with a link to the video will be sent to participants once they register. Teachers and the public are welcome to register.

Recording available April 21 at 2:00 pm to April 27, 2021

Meet the Author: J. Torres 

Battle of the Books Reading Program 2021

This year we will be focusing on the Forest of Reading books. We have prepared discussion questions on specific books, as well as online author events. All materials will be available through our website and are free for all to enjoy.

The Battle for the Books Reading Program is self-directed program that features great Canadian books, reading guides, and virtual author events. 
How do you participate?
Get the books from your local library, download the reading guides, and tune in to the author events. Work independently or as a group to read the selected books and answer the questions in the guide. Attend the virtual author events to discover more about the authors, the books, and the writing process. 
How do you attend the virtual author events?

Click on the links below. Each link will take you to a registration page where you can sign up to receive a link to the video.

Virtual author visit: Heather M. O'Connor

Date & Time: Wed March 31 at 2:00 pm

Event Information: Join Heather M. O’Connor, author of Fast Friends as she discusses her new picture book and the inspiration behind it. During this live program, participants will learn to identify nonverbal cues, both in the illustrations of the book, as well as with their peers, using fun interactive activities. The presentation has strong curriculum connections to body language and is best suited for students in SK-Grade 3, but all are welcome. 

Event Link: Virtual Author Visit with Heather M. O’Connor
Meet the author: Heather Fawcett

Date & Time: Recording Available April 1 to April 30, 2021

Event Information: Sit back and enjoy a Question and Answer session with children’s author Heather Fawcett. Hear more about her 2021 Silver Birch Nominated book, Ember and the Ice Dragons and find out what it takes to become an author.

Event Link: Meet the Author: Heather Fawcett
Virtual talk with Sherry Saevil

Date & Time: Available starting April 1, 2021

Event Information: Join Sherry Saevil, Aboriginal Liaison at the Halton Catholic District School Board for a discussion about Brianna Jonnie’s If I Go Missing, and how the issues therein connect to our community and lives. This discussion is best suited to children aged 10+ 

Event Link: OPL YouTube
Why participate?
Battle of the Books has always been about promoting a love of reading. Even though we’re doing things a bit differently this year, the Battle of the Books Reading Program continues to foster the love of reading by encouraging children to read, reflect, and connect to great books, to libraries, and to each other. 
Reading guides