Members of the winning West Lincoln Middle School "Battle of the Books" team.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Staff Reports

Lincoln County Schools held the 7th Annual Middle School Battle of the Books competition earlier this month. The Battle of the Books program is sponsored by the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMS). The purpose of Battle of the Books is to encourage reading by all students, regardless of ability, at the middle school level. Students are introduced to literature that represents a variety of literary styles and viewpoints.

The NCSLMA releases the titles of 27 books by the end of March each year. Students have approximately one year to read all 27 books to prepare for the competition. Each school is allowed 12 team members, but only 6 can participate in a round. Establishing a game format creates interest and excitement in reading which improves students reading skills.

West Lincoln Middle School is the winner of Lincoln County Schools 2009 Middle School Battle of the Books competition. West Lincoln Middle will now advance to the regional competition which will be held on April 20, 2009 at ImagiOn in Charlotte, N.C. The winner of the regional competition will advance to the state competition.

As regional winners, West Lincoln Middle School competed in the state competition in 2005, 2007, and 2008. In both 2007 and 2008, they placed third in the state.