On a spring evening, the auditorium at Lincoln High School filled with families and students. They weren’t there for a performance but to watch a competition – the 2025 Battle of the Books! 

Teams from each middle school read 10 books and then compete to answer a series of questions. This year marked the return of the Battle of the Books after a six-year hiatus.  

“This competition is such a fun tradition,” said Hilltop Heritage Librarian Dawn Baughman, “We needed to bring it back, and I am so grateful for all the librarians, volunteers, and departments who helped make it happen. It was a huge team effort.” 

The competition, spearheaded by Middle School Librarians, requires months of preparation. Librarians select the books, organize practice events, and coordinate the final showdown. This year’s list featured: 

• “The Door of No Return” by Kwame Alexander,  
• “Fast Pitch” by Nic Stone 
• “a first time for everything” by Dan Santat 
• “I Funny” by James Patterson  
• “Born A Crime” by Trevor Noah 
• “The Labors of Hercules Beal” by Gary D. Schmidt 
• “The Lost Year” by Katherine Marsh 
• “Mascot” by Charles Waters & Traci Sorell 
• “Nic Blake and the Remarkables” by Angie Thomas 
• “Refugee” by Alan Gratz 

The event began with a special author Zoom call featuring Gary D. Schmidt, author of “The Labors of Hercules Beal.” Students eagerly asked questions ranging from his inspiration for the book to his favorite meal (pancakes, for the record). 

“I love giving students the opportunity to talk with authors,” said Kristin Sierra, Lincoln High School Librarian. “It can inspire students and encourage them to find their own voice through writing or expand to read books they may not have considered.”  

During the competition, no phones or notes were allowed, and teams had 30 seconds to answer each question. School Librarians and volunteers from the Tacoma Public Library helped to keep score. Questions were developed by a dedicated parent volunteer who read all ten books. After twenty rigorous questions, the Hilltop Heritage Middle School emerged victorious. 

For many students, the Battle of the Books is more than just a competition—it’s a gateway to a lifelong love of reading.  

Christine Brandt, Principal of Hilltop Heritage, shared the impact the event had on her daughter. 

“My daughter won three times at Truman, and now she is attending college,” said Brandt. “Before the Battle, she never read books. Now, at college, she grabs a book whenever she needs to relax.”