ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - A group of San Diego 5th graders put their love of literacy to the test, competing in the second annual Battle of the Books.
The students represented two districts, the Carlsbad Unified School District and Encinitas Union School District.
The students were tasked with reading ten books, studying the roughly 3,000 pages for months.
"We just wanted to find a way to incorporate reading for fun and challenge them at the same time to pick up books they wouldn't normally pick up," said Andrea Oshima, Library Media Technician at Aviara Oaks Elementary in Carlsbad.
Staff chose books covering multiple themes, like empathy, social injustice, and resilience.
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"Sports are celebrated, and I think reading needs to be celebrated too," said Sue Foote, a Library Media Assistant at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School.
Foote says organizing the event has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
During the battle, students are tested through questions, quotes, and props.
"My favorite thing about reading is how the author plunges you into another world when you're reading the book, and you feel like you're that character," said Elise Lu, a 5th grader at Aviara Oaks.
Aviara Oaks ultimately came out on top in the battle.
"I feel pretty good because we practiced so much, but I also want to thank Olivenhain because they did such a great job, too," said Lu.
Students are typically teacher-recommended for the team and must also demonstrate why they would be a good fit for the battle.
