September 4, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians of 4th and 5th graders,

This year the 4th and 5thgrade students of Elmer Wolfe Elementary have an exciting opportunity in which they may participate. Students may elect to be part of the Battle of the Booksin which elementary students in our area compete against each other in a book-based contest. TheBattle of the Books is a product of the Carroll County Public Schools and the Carroll County Public Library.The mission of the Battle of the Books is to encourage reading in grades 4-8, while highlighting The Maryland Black Eyed Susan Book Award nominees. Carroll County Public School students compete in teams to answer questions relating to the content of a number of books. The game format creates interest and excitement in reading, while cultivating school spirit and encouraging teamwork. The booklist for the elementary competition is listed below.

Big Bad Ironclad by Nathan Hale

The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever by Stephen McCranie

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Frogged by Vivian VandeVelde

Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts

High-Voltage Danger Lab by Bob Pflugfelder

Smash: Trial by Fire by Chris A. Bolton

Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy Cavanaugh

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark

You can also find more information by going to Carroll County Public Library website and clicking on the Battle of the Books link at the bottom of the page or by going to this link Information sessions for parents will be held at each branch (see the attached flyer.) Students need parental permission to participate. The students will meet once a month with Mrs. Praet or their coach during lunch time. Parents, guardians, and community members may volunteer as coaches. Coaches must attend a volunteer training through Carroll County Public Schools and are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions at any public library branch.The Battle of the Books competition will be held at New Windsor Middle School on May 1 in the evening. Interested students and coaches need to return the attached form to Mrs. Praet by September 30th.

Happy Reading!

June Praet
Media Specialist

My Child, ______, may participate in the Battle of the Books. I understand that my child will need to read all or most of the books on the list above.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______

Parent/Guardian Phone Number______
Parent/Guardian e-mail ______

I, ______, would like to be a coach for the Battle of the Books.

I understand that I need to attend the Carroll County Public School volunteer training. I understand I am encouraged to attend an information session at anyCarroll County Public Library branch.

Parent/Guardian/Community Member Signature ______

Phone number and/or e-mail ______

My Child, ______, may participate in the Battle of the Books. I understand that my child will need to read all or most of the books on the list above.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______

Parent/Guardian Phone Number______
Parent/Guardian e-mail ______

I, ______, would like to be a coach for the Battle of the Books.

I understand that I need to attend the Carroll County Public School volunteer training. I understand I am encouraged to attend an information session at any Carroll County Public Library branch.

Parent/Guardian/Community Member Signature ______

Phone number and/or e-mail ______