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Battle of the Books | Afternoon Playoffs
When: Saturday, February 27, 2027 at 1:30 PM
Where: Main Library, Robeson Pavilion Room A & B, Champaign, IL — Champaign, IL
Price: Free
Students in grades 3-5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in our 22nd annual Battle of the Books.
What is Battle of the Books?
Join us for a fun celebration of Black history, literature, and teamwork through reading! Each year, children in grades 3-5 are invited to test their knowledge of 20 books written and/or illustrated by or about Africans and African Americans. The selected titles are all picture-book length, making the competition accessible and enjoyable for readers of all levels. Participants will answer questions in a variety of formats, including multiple choice, true-or-false, book title identification, and illustration recognition. Every participant receives a prize book, and leading teams from the playoff rounds advance to the finals later in the afternoon. Teams may include up to 12 students, with up to 3 alternate members (15 total). Check with your school to see if a team is being organized, or gather your own group of readers and register together.
Copies of all Battle books are available for checkout at the Douglass Branch and Main Library. The complete book list is available through the library catalog or as a printer-friendly PDF .
Schedule of Events:
Battle of the Books | Morning Playoffs (11:00am - 12:00pm)
Battle of the Books | Afternoon Playoffs (1:30pm - 2:30pm)
Battle of the Books | Finals (3:00pm - 4:00pm) *Leading teams from the playoff rounds will advance to the finals.
How to Register:
Register your team by February 1, 2027 by calling 217-403-2090 OR email efeltman@champaign.org . Teams will be assigned to either the morning or afternoon playoff session at the time of registration.
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