Battle of the Books
Each year, branches partner with local schools to host Battle of the Books competitions. There are three different age groups to participate in:
- Elementary school, fourth and fifth grades
- Middle school, sixth through eighth grades
- High school, ninth through 12th grades
Elementary and Middle School Competitions
Elementary and Middle School Battle of the Books are fun reading competitions where students read from a list of 10 books (see titles below) and answer trivia questions. Schools must form teams of five along with an adult coach representative, preferably a teacher or media specialist. Each Baltimore County Public Library branch will facilitate a battle for local schools to compete against each other. To enroll, confirm with your nearest branch by Friday, October 16.
Elementary School Battle of the Books All Titles and Formats
Middle School Battle of the Books All Titles and Formats
Author Visits
Saturday, April 3
Rebecca Stead, author of "The Experiment"
Perry Hall Branch, 10 a.m.
Catonsville Branch, 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 10
Tiffany D. Jackson, author of "Blood in the Water"
Reisterstown Branch, 10 a.m.
Cockeysville Branch, 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 24
Ellen Oh, author of "The House Next Door"
Owings Mills Branch, 10 a.m.
Cockeysville Branch, 2 p.m.
High School Competitions
High School Battle of the Books encourages individual teens to create a work of visual, written or expressive art inspired by one of the Battle of the Books selections. The work can convey a personal interpretation or reflection, explore an element of the book that resonated with the student or show how the book inspired their creativity.
Each branch chooses a winning submission to compete in the countywide battle. All high-school-aged teens are encouraged to participate. Teachers, media specialists and homeschool instructors (public or private) may register to participate and provide guidance to students.
High School Battle of the Books All Titles and Formats
Books Playlist
Watch our videos about each book title.
2026 High School Competition Winner
Meet Kendall and learn more about her winning project.