Battle of the Books 2025-26

If you are preparing for this year’s Battle of the Books competition, check out the important dates and resources below.

Dates to Remember

Deadline to Sign-Up School-Level Battles District-Level Battles
Friday, December 30th TBD Wednesday, May 6

Titles by Grade

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade
Dogtown A First Time for Everything Wrecker
Good Different The Ruby Code Royal Blood
Just Keep Walking Impossible Creatures Mascot
The Lost Library Max in the House of Spies The Love Match
You Are Here Half Moon Summer Simon Sort of Says
Just Gus Not an Easy Win Free Throws, Friendship and Other Things We Fouled Up
How to Catch a Polar Bear Slugfest The Lost Year
Rewind It Found Us Artifice
A Royal Conundrum Something Like Home The Mona Lisa Vanishes
The Labors of Hercules Beal Away The Encanto’s Daughter

*For 8th grade, title number six is shortened to Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things.  

Iowa Children’s Choice Award Resources
Deciding what to read next? Check out these bite-sized book talks that are about 90-seconds each.Watch book talks, book trailers, and learn more about the Iowa Children’s Choice Award books by exploring this interactive site.MackinVIA Group: MackinVIA
(School/Library Name: DBQ Washington MS, DUBUQUE, IA)
-online books and audiobook versions
Iowa Teen Award Resources
Deciding what to read next? Check out the ITA virtual bookshelf with links to book talks/trailers:
Book Trailers – Google SlidesMackinVIA Group: Iowa Teen Award – MackinVIA
(School/Library Name: DBQ Washington MS, DUBUQUE, IA)
-online books and audiobook versions
Documents to Help You Prepare

Battle of the Books Note-Taking Sheet