Mayor Daley’s Elementary Battle of the Books
On Saturday, April 18, 2009 hundreds of students will gather to test their knowledge on books that they have been reading during the school year outside of the classroom. The fourth annual Chicago Public Schools Mayor Daley’s Elementary Battle of the Books hosted by the CPS Department of Libraries encourages ongoing reading, teamwork and partnership throughout the course of a year and culminates in this one-day event.
Over seventy-five schools will send students to represent them and share their learning in an interactive, competitive and inspiring environment. Teams are comprised of students in two categories: 4th through 6th grade, and 7th and 8th grade. Each division has a separate reading list of 20 books and one digital book. Students score points during three rounds of competition for answering questions about plot, characters, and settings with bonus points for giving the full name of the author. The three teams with the highest scores compete in the championship round.
Battle of the Books is funded strictly through private donations, and we’re seeking a total of $50,000 to support Battle of the Books 2009. Donations contribute toward:
- Books for Central Library Loan --$20,000 (use of which continues into future years)
- Gift books for students to take home--$5,000
- T-shirts and awards to commemorate a student’s participation--$7,000
- Breakfast/lunch--$8,000
- Administrative support such as printing, custodial and security personnel, audio sound
system, etc. --$10,000
In addition, we need approximately $65,000 to support over 75 schools at a cost of $875 per school.
- Books--$500
- Bus Transportation--$125
- Teacher/Librarian Stipend--$250 (assumes 2 individuals/school)
Feedback from students, teachers, and parents has been extremely positive. Two of the most memorable quotes summarize well the feeling students leave with after a day of mental challenge, friendly competition, teamwork, and fun:
“The best part was at the end when they made everyone feel like they won”
“I learned how to be confident with myself”
For information on funding Battle of the Books please contact Carol Josefowicz @