Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary School sent a fourth and fifth grade team to compete in the regional Battle of the Books at Area Education Agency 267 in Cedar Falls on Thursday, April 7th. The team members read and studied 40 books to prepare for the contest. The fourth and fifth grade team members were Makenna Cooper, Rachael Quackenbush, Wesley Latchman, Liam Wiles, Andrew Westwater, and Shelby Brubaker.

Then on Friday, April 8th, Gladbrook-Reinbeck was represented by a middle school team consisting of sixth graders. They also read 40 books but from a different reading list. The team members were Sarah Schildroth, Katie Clark, Paul Brockett, Mahayla Olson, Lauren Bystricky, and Zane Stice. Mrs. Kiburis coached both teams.

Teams were allowed one hour to complete an 80-question, short answer test. While the tests were being scored, students enjoyed a presentation by guest author, Julia Cook, who spoke on both days. Students were able to purchase books by the author and have them autographed.

The top five teams on the written test qualified to advance to the oral round, where teams were challenged with an additional 40 questions. The winning team for 4th and 5th grade was Grundy Center, and the winning team from middle school was Clear Lake. Our 6th grade team won the teamwork award.

Many of the Battle of the Books participants enjoyed discovering new books and authors from the reading lists. The books by the speaker Julia Cook were also a favorite of the day. Both groups enjoyed their lunch out at either McDonald’s or Pizza Ranch afterwards.