Get ready for another exciting year of reading, teamwork, and friendly competition! The 2026–27 Battle of the Books reading lists for elementary students are now available.
What Is Battle of the Books?
Battle of the Books is a reading program in which students read selected books and then work in teams to answer questions about them. The friendly competitions, known as “battles,” help students strengthen their reading comprehension, practice teamwork, and discover new books and authors.
Students interested in participating should contact the school librarian or media specialist for information about how the program works and how to get involved. Whether your student plans to compete or simply wants to enjoy some great books, now is the perfect time to start reading.
Third and Fourth Grade Reading List
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta
Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A True Story by Tricia Brown
Tornado by Betsy Byars
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary
Frindle by Andrew Clements
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka
I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter
Fifth and Sixth Grade Reading List
The White Mountains (Tripods Series #1) by John Christopher
Ice Magic by Matt Christopher
Who Was Neil Armstrong? by Roberta Edwards
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones
Masterminds by Gordon Korman
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras
The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Scared Stiff by Willo Davis Roberts
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Holes by Louis Sachar
Strong Like the Sea by Wendy Swore
Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick
Happy reading, and good luck battling!
