20th annual 'Battle of the Books' promotes literacy to South Bend students

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The South Bend School Corporation held its 20th annual "Battle of the Books" Friday.

The event encourages kids to read more and to try a variety of genres.

Every year the district selects 20 different books ranging from fiction to non-fiction and graphic novels.

Students from all seven South Bend middle schools then face off for five rounds of questions about the books, quiz bowl style, to win medals and prizes.

Dee Simpson, Library and Media Specialist at Clay Intermediate Academy, said, "Our main goal is that students learn to love literacy and books. We want them to read and enjoy reading and provide a safe haven for readers who may not be interested in sports or something else after school."

School officials say the competition motivates students to try and read as many of the books as possible, with many of them finishing all 20.

Students who did read all the books are honored with their own certificates as well.