2026 Official SSLDL Battle of the Books Rules
2026 OFFICIAL SSLDL BATTLE OF THE BOOKS RULES
1. Team members must be in 4th grade for the 4th Grade Battle; 5th grade for the 5th Grade Battle; 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the Middle School Battle. Middle School teams may be a combination of students from grades 6, 7, or 8.
2. Teams may have FOUR or less students. Single member teams are allowed.
3. Teams may be questioned on any of the books on the list.
4. Each team will have 30 seconds to answer the initial question and may confer on their answer. If a team asks to have a question repeated, the second reading will be included in their 30-second response time.
5. Each team must have a captain assigned to give the final answer. No other team member’s answer will be accepted. Only the first answer given by the team captain will be accepted.
6. If a team has begun its response before time is called, the team will be allowed to complete their answer.
7. When answering, teams only need to provide the book’s title. A book title is considered correct if an article is omitted. For example, Elephant in the Garden is correct even though the full title is An Elephant in the Garden. The author’s name is not needed.
8. If a team gives an incorrect answer the question does not go to the next team. The judge will provide the correct answer and the next team will receive a new question.
9. The judges are the final authority on the acceptability of an answer. The questions are taken, usually word-for-word, from the book.
10. Books, notes, etc. are not allowed in the Battle of the Books. Outside interference or assistance will not be tolerated and will result in a disqualification of the team.
11. Scoring: A correct title is 5 points. An incorrect title is 0 points. No half points will be awarded. Extra points will not be awarded for including an author’s name.
12. Prizes: Members of the winning team will each receive a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Their team’s name will also be engraved on a Library plaque. Everyone who participates will receive a free book
Tips for Team Managers
· Meet with the team regularly to check on reading progress, to offer encouragement and to help team members learn facts from the books.
· Hold “mock” battles based on the books or have the kids compose their own practice questions to quiz each other during meetings.
o Example of a typical Battle of the Books question: In which book does a character ride in a bread truck?
· Encourage more than one person from the team to read each book. (Team Managers may want to read all of the books.)
· Act as the communication link between the Library, team members, and parents with all information regarding the Battle of the Books.
· Ensure that your team, and you as a Team Manager, demonstrates sportsman-like behavior before and during the Battle.
· Ensure that your team members and their families understand the rules of the Battle and expectations during the Battle.
· Provide and/or arrange transportation for your team members.
· Help your team come up with a descriptive team name.
· Optional: Have your team wear the same color or item of clothing to the Battle.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Please submit your team registration by Monday, January 12, 2026. A librarian will send you an email confirmation that your registration was received. If you do not receive a confirmation within 3 days, please contact us at 248-437-6431.
Please keep us informed of any problems or changes. You may contact us at youthdepartment@ssldl.info or 248-437-6431.
If you would like to contact the staff member directly responsible for a specific Battle, individual email addresses are below.
4th Grade Book List
4th Grade Battle Contact: Kathy Merucci – kmerucci@ssldl.info
5th Grade Book List
5th Grade Battle Contact: Sarah Scherdt – sscherdt@ssldl.info
Middle School Book List
Middle School Battle Contact: Tina McIntosh – tmcintosh@ssldl.info