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Battle of the Books: Battle of the Books 2023-24

Pearl River Delta Librarian Network's regional Battle of the Books competition!

What is the Battle of the Books?

The mission of PRDL BOB is to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, to promote academic excellence, and to foster cooperative learning and teamwork among students in our home schools and across the PRDL region. 

Primary books for 2023/24

Odder

Now a #1 New York Times bestseller! A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, from Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime

A Schneider Family Award Honor Book for Middle Grade From Newbery Medal honoree and #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes a hilarious, hopeful, and action-packed middle grade novel about the greatest young superhero you've never heard of, filled with illustrations by Raúl the Third!

Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy

A thrilling and empowering WWII adventure about the French resistance and their British allies, with a determined, Muslim heroine. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll, and those looking for diverse historical fiction.

The First Dinosaur

 "An outstanding case study in how science is actually done: funny, nuanced, and perceptive." --Kirkus Reviews Join early scientists as they piece together one of humanity's greatest puzzles--the fossilized bones of the first dinosaur!

Omar Rising

"Irresistibly appealing and genuinely inspiring--a story that helps us to see the world more clearly, and to see ourselves as powerful enough to change it." --Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award Winner When You Reach Me 

The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable

The most exciting road trip in history begins! In this action-packed, New York Times bestselling adventure, twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a family vacation you'll have to read to believe.

The Land of Stories: the Wishing Spell

The first book in Chris Colfer's #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories about two siblings who fall into a fairy-tale world! Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.

The Lion of Mars

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Life on Mars is pretty standard.... until a mysterious virus hits.  Don't miss this timely and unputdownable novel from the bestselling author of The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Futureland: Battle for the Park

When an extraordinary flying theme park arrives above Atlanta, one boy must stop a sinister force from stealing the park's tech and taking over the world. Perfect for fans of Spider-Man- Miles Morales. "Hold on tight, Futureland will be the ride of your life . . . and maybe the last!"

Allergic: a Graphic Novel

A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet! ... heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.

Middle School books for 2023/24

Agent Most Wanted

A young readers adaptation of Sonia Purnell's New York Times bestselling book A Woman of No Importance, the story of Virginia Hall; the unassuming American spy who helped the allies win World War II.

Last Gamer Standing

Ready Player One meets the action of battle royale video games in this middle-grade sci-fi perfect for fans of Fortnite.

The Midnight Children

The #1 New York Times and Indie bestseller! From Dan Gemeinhart, the acclaimed author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, comes an extraordinary story about a family of runaways who take up residence in a small town, and the outcast boy who finds his voice and his people.

The Last Cuentista

Winner of numerous prestigious awards and recognized by notable publications, Donna Barba Higuera's captivating novel takes readers on a gripping and poignant journey to a new planet. 

When the World Was Ours

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Windsnap series, Liz Kessler, comes a "brutally honest and totally believable" (Booklist, starred review) story of three young friends whose fates are intertwined during the devastation of the Holocaust--based on a true story.

Alone

Perfect for fans of Hatchet and the I Survived series, this harrowing middle grade debut novel-in-verse from a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet tells the story of a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town.

Squished: a Graphic Novel

From the Eisner-nominated duo behind the instant bestseller Allergic comes a fun new graphic novel about finding your own space... especially when you're in a family of nine!

Spy School

"Combines Alex Rider's espionage skills with a huge dose of the sarcasm of Artemis Fowl." --School Library Journal Can an undercover nerd become a superstar agent? Ben Ripley sure hopes so--and his life may depend on it!

Unstoppable Us, Volume 1

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * From world-renowned historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, the bestselling author of Sapiens, comes an exciting, illustrated book for middle school readers that looks at the early history of humankind.

Thirst

A New York Times Bestseller The riveting story of a heroic girl who fights for her belief that water should be for everyone.

High School Books for 2023/24

All My Rage

National Book Award WINNER Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature"All My Rage is a love story, a tragedy and an infectious teenage fever dream about what home means when you feel you don't fit in."

Dancing at the Pity Party

Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.

All Systems Red

All Systems Red is the first entry in Martha Wells' New York Times and USA Today bestselling, and Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction series, The Murderbot Diaries.  
"As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure." 

The Inheritance Games

Don't miss this New York Times bestselling "impossible to put down" (Buzzfeed) novel with deadly stakes, thrilling twists, and juicy secrets--perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

The Mamba Mentality

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play is Kobe Bryant's personal perspective of his life and career on the basketball court and his exceptional, insightful style of playing the game--a fitting legacy from the late Los Angeles Laker superstar.

West with Giraffes

An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

The Midnight Library

Centered around a library situated on the outer fringes of the universe, wherein countless books hold tales of alternate realities, Nora Seed is confronted with an extraordinary opportunity. Contemplating the chance to witness the lives she could have led, Nora embarks on a soul-searching journey through the Midnight Library, aiming to unearth the true essence of fulfillment and the essence of a life worth embracing.