Battle of the Books

Join the Challenge

Enter the Unofficial Battle of the Books (UBOB) where we are bringing all the same state-selected division titles whilst breaking all the rules so readers of any age and ability can compete alongside their community.

How It Works Get Booklists & Materials Play On Beanstack Vote For Your Favorites

How It Works

Pick Five Books

Choose any five titles from any of the three booklists. You may read or listen to the books—and you can select any grade range, regardless of your age.

Track your reading with a UBOB Passport from your local library or download the Passport Mini to the right.
Read or listen to at least five books.
Complete the entry ticket in your passport.
Earn another entry ticket for each five books you read.
Return your passport to the library by May 15, 2027.

You’ll receive an exclusive Lightning Bolt Pin ⚡ and be entered to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Want an extra challenge? Read every title on one booklist to earn the coveted Battle Master Pin ⚔️

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Battle Resources: quiz questions, booklists, and activities

Get UBOB Materials

Select one of the categories to reveal its available UBOB materials.

Resources include:

TeachingBooks collections (book summaries, lesson plans, vocabulary lists, author interviews)
Quiz Questions
JCLS catalog lists

New materials will be added throughout the year, so check back for additional activities and resources.

Having a blast discussing the books with friends? Earned your prize? Email a photo showing how you’re participating with UBOB this year to educationservices@jcls.org for a chance to be featured on JCLS social media!

Materials for every UBOB reader View resources

All Ages Materials

TeachingBooks Open the All Ages collection UBOB Booklists Open the JCLS catalog list Quiz Questions Open the All Ages practice questions Activity Pages Open OBOB Dog activities

Materials for middle-grade titles View resources

Middle Grade Materials

TeachingBooks Open the Middle Grade collection UBOB Booklists Open the JCLS catalog list Quiz Questions Open the Middle Grade practice questions Activity Pages Open OBOB Dog activities

Materials for young-adult titles View resources

Young Adult Materials

TeachingBooks Open the Young Adult collection UBOB Booklists Open the JCLS catalog list Quiz Questions Open the Young Adult practice questions Activity Pages Open OBOB Dog activities

Play On Beanstack

Earn exclusive badges and compete against friends on the Beanstack reading app or website!

With Beanstack the fun doesn’t stop with Battle of the Books! You can take part in other challenges throughout the year, write book reviews, and even browse curated booklists.