The 2026–27 Battle of the Books reading lists for elementary students are now available, according to a September 9 report. The program encourages reading, teamwork, and competition through a series of book-based challenges.
Battle of the Books is a reading program where students read specific books and work in teams to answer questions. These competitions, referred to as battles, are designed to help students strengthen reading comprehension, practice teamwork, and discover new authors and books.
Students interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact their school librarian or media specialist for details on how to get involved.
The third and fourth grade reading list includes titles such as The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Freckle Juice by Judy Blume, and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Other books on the list include Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta, Tornado by Betsy Byars, and The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner.
The fifth and sixth grade reading list features titles including The White Mountains by John Christopher, My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. Other selections include Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, Masterminds by Gordon Korman, and Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
The availability of these lists allows students to begin reading in preparation for the upcoming competition year.
