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

Battle of the Books - Classroom edition

Thank you to everyone who participated in this years Battle of the Books - Classroom Edition! The three schools with the highest scores in their category were:

  • Ethel Gardiner Public School
  • Halton Hills Christian School
  • Silver Creek Public School
Important dates
  • Registration deadline: February 28th
  • Classroom Battle Tournament: April 25th - 29th
How do I register?
Registration is now closed. 
Why play Battle of the Books?
  • Battle of the Books is a literacy-building program that is a great way to get your students or children excited about reading, and to help them find new books. It also builds sportsmanship and fair play. 
  • We call it a “Battle” but our emphasis is on fun!
Who can play?
  • Grade 3-8 classes in Halton Hills can play.
  • Your class needs a school staff member (Teacher/School Librarian) to run the tournament in your classroom. 
  • Homeschool families with children in the grade 3-8 range may form a team and play too. For more information please contact Dani Austin, Children’s Services Librarian.
How is it organized? 
  • Your school could enter one class or every grade 3-8 class in the school.
  • Each registered class will receive a package containing guidelines, a list of book titles and categories, a set of practice questions, an explanation of the timeline, the scoring system and instructions.
  • Teachers/School Librarians can encourage students to read books from the list, log their reading, compose their own Battle Questions and participate in practice battles within the classroom.  
When does it happen?

It begins in the classroom but the Finale will be a Battle against other schools. 

  • The Tournament: The Tournament will take place during the last week of April. The Library will provide participating classes with grade level Tournament Questions (and Answers) for ​​Teachers/School Librarians to lead the Battle in their students’ own classrooms. 

Past programs

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.
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. 
Virtual author visit: Heather M. O'Connor
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. 
Meet the author: Heather Fawcett
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.
Virtual talk with Sherry Saevil
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+.