The Ultimate Reading Challenge: Battle of the Books Registration Now Open

Virginia Beach Public Library offers fifth graders, middle school, high school and adult divisions; assemble your team now!

Virginia Beach Public Library is inviting young readers, teens and adults to participate in the 2026-27 Battle of the Books, an annual reading competition that encourages teamwork, literacy and community engagement. The program features four divisions: fifth grade, middle school, high school and adult. Each division has its own reading list, competition structure and registration deadlines.

Teams may compete in one battle. Individuals may participate on only one team. Teams in each division read the same list of curated titles and compete in a quiz-style tournament to test their knowledge of the books. Winners will receive Barnes & Noble gift cards, medals or trophies and, of course, bragging rights.

Battle of the Books

Fifth Grade

The Fifth Grade Battle of the Books is open to Virginia Beach fifth-grade students. Teams may consist of two to five individuals. Registration is open now through Dec. 12. Battles take place in February.

Book list:

“The Experiment” by Rebecca Stead
“The Firefly Summer” by Morgan Matson
“Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest” by Chris Grabenstein
“Pocket Bear” by Katherine Applegate
“Priceless Facts About Money” by Mellody Hobson, illustrated by Caitlin Stevens 
“A Royal Conundrum” by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat
“Winging It” by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

Middle School

The Middle School Division is open to Virginia Beach students in grades 6-8. Teams may include two to five students. Registration closes Dec. 12. Battles are held throughout the month of January.

Book list:

“The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly
“Red Scare: A Graphic Novel” by Liam Francis Walsh
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
“Figure It Out, Henri Weldon” by Tanita S. Davis
“The Sherlock Society” by James Ponti

High School

High school teams may include up to five participants. Registration closes March 5. The High School Battle of the Books will be one night only and will take place March 19.

Book list:

“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
“Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross
“You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson

Adult

The Adult Battle of the Books is open to adults interested in exploring new books and testing their knowledge in a friendly competition. Teams may consist of two to five members. Registration closes Dec. 12. The competition will be Jan. 8.

Book list:

“The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Best Offer Wins” by Marisa Kashino
“Vicious” by V.E. Schwab

Team Registration and Requirements

Each fifth-grade and middle-school team must have an adult team manager, such as a parent, guardian or teacher. Teams may register online.

Team members do not need to attend the same school or homeschool group to create a team. Competition information and registration forms are available at the Battle of the Books program webpage.