Oregon Battle of the Books at Willow Wind

 What is Oregon Battle of the Books?
The Oregon Battle of the Books, OBOB, is a statewide voluntary reading motivation and comprehension program sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries in conjunction with a Library Services and Technology Act grant. Students in 3rd-12th grade, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints. The mission is to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, promote academic excellence, and to promote cooperative learning and teamwork among students. 

Where do I find basic information about Oregon Battle of the Books?
Visit the website at: http://www.oregonbattleofthebooks.org/

Who can participate at Willow Wind?
Any student in grade 3, 4, or 5 enrolled in the Willow Wind OBOB elective class (Spring term).

Who can I contact at Willow Wind?
Willow Wind coordinator, Sheryl Cochran   Sheryl.Cochran@ashland.k12.or.us
Parent coordinator, Tamara Smith   VincentandTamara@Gmail.com

How does a student participate?
A student participates by submitting their signed parental consent form. After that, they read from the 2018-19 OBOB book list, participate in book discussions, and compete in attles with their teammates. 

WHAT IS THE BOOK LIST? – 

For the 2018-2019 school year, the selected books are:
 

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

• George by Alex Gino

• Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine

• The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

• In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III

• The Infinity Year of Avalon James by Dana Middleton

• Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

• Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures by Jackson Pearce & Maggie Stiefvater

• Real Friends by Shannon Hale

• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

• Ugly by Robert Hoge

• Waylon! One Awesome Thing by Sara Pennypacker

• When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

• A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Bildner

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

• Wish by Barbara O’Connor

Note to Parents: The Oregon Battle of the Books is a voluntary program.  OBOB welcomes students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. The titles are selected with the reading level and maturity of 4th and 5th graders in mind. You may feel that the content and/or theme of one or two of these titles are inappropriate for your child. We recommend that you read and discuss these books with your child. A book that stretches a child’s thinking is a great opportunity to discuss world events and your family’s values

Where do students get the books?
Willow Wind will have several copies of each book on the list available for checkout.  OBOB  readers can check out books during class. Public libraries and local book stores will also be apprised of the titles and will most likely have them available.

When do students read the books?
OBOB books are to be read whenever your child has time to read!  Additionally we will use OBOB class time for reading, book discussions, and practice book battles. Reading should be completed by the end of January. Official Willow Wind book battles will begin in February. 

Do students have to read all the books?
No. At Willow Wind each OBOB team member will be responsible for reading at least 4 books. However, the more books you read the more fun you will have during the book battles. Many students read about half of the books. There are a few readers who complete the whole list.

Does listening to a book on tape count as reading?
Yes, there are three ways students can read the OBOB books. (Movie versions of a book will not count.)
1. Read it yourself.
2. Have someone read it to you.
3. Listen to an audio reading of the book.

What is an OBOB team?
Student teams of 4 will compete in the tournament book battles. Each team will be responsible for reading all 16 of the OBOB books (minimum of 4 books per team member).

How are teams formed?
Each participating student will write down the names of a few friends they’d like to work with in OBOB. Sheryl will use this information to help her create OBOB teams. Her goal is to put each child on a team with at least one friend. Grade levels will vary per team.

When do teams meet?
OBOB students meet during their OBOB class period. Teams may also choose to meet outside of school but must make their own arrangements.

What does a class meeting look like?
Fun! Students get together with their teams and create questions about the books they’ve read. Then they quiz each other and other teams in informal battle style. Book talks and read alouds by Sheryl will provide opportunities for OBOBers to discuss book content.  

What is a battle?
A typical battle is a tournament or game, somewhat like Jeopardy, in which student teams earn points by answering questions about the books on the book list.

When are Willow Wind battles and who will compete?
Our battles will be held during OBOB class times in February. Every team will compete in a double-elimination style tournament.

Who competes at the Regional OBOB battles?
The winning team of our Willow Wind OBOB tournament will participate at the regional OBOB tournament on March 15 at Walker Elementary School.

Can Parents Help?
Yes! Parents volunteers will be crucial!  If you are interested in helping, please contact Sheryl Cochran. Sheryl.Cochran@ashland.k12.or.us