Prepare Your Team

When teams are well-prepared, there’s always plenty of edge-of-your-seat excitement!

While the students do most of the preparation—reading books and learning authors—the coach helps direct and encourage the students. Coaches can be teachers, parent volunteers, or even older students.

Reading Preparation

All books on the booklists will be used for Battle of the Books 2027. All Junior Battle questions are based on the books on the Junior Book List. Similarly, all Senior Battle questions are based on the books on the Senior Book List.

Books are organized into six genre categories: Contemporary, Adventure, Humour, Fantasy, Non-Fiction, and Historical.

TIP! The 'divide and conquer' strategy—dividing up the booklist so each team member knows a few books well—may help answer the comprehension questions.

On Tournament Day

Here’s what teams can expect during the competition rounds.

Questions

Each team is asked an equal number of questions. The questions are asked alternately to the teams, regardless of which team gave the last correct answer. Each round will include a mix of title and author questions, as well as comprehension questions based on the characters, plots, and setting of the books.

Answers

Teams can make up to three attempts to answer the question within 30 seconds. You don't need to know the title to earn author points, or vice versa. Comprehension questions do not require the title or author.  

The question is asked once, and then the timer starts. During this time, the team can request that the Spokesperson repeat the question, but this will cut into the allotted time to answer.

If, after 30 seconds or three attempts, the team cannot answer correctly, the opposing team has a chance to answer—but they must give their answer immediately. The question will not be repeated for the opposing team, and they will not have any time allowance. If Team A has correctly given the title, then Team B may give the author (or vice versa).

If an answer is questionable, the Moderator’s decision is final.

Scoring

Here's how points are earned:

• Five points: when the team correctly answers a comprehension question
• Three points: when the opposing team correctly answers a comprehension question
• Three points: when the team correctly identifies the title
• Two points when the team correctly identifies the author’s surname
• Two points when the opposing team correctly answers the title
• One point: when the opposing team correctly answers the author’s surname

No points will be deducted for incorrect answers. If a Round ends in a tie, the teams are asked tie-breaker questions.

Sample Questions & Scoring