The members of this year’s Battle of the Books group (also known as BOB), a program for lower and middle schoolers that encourages a love for reading and healthy competition, competed in their second “mock” competition of the year on March fourteenth. Members of Elementary Battle of the Books, led by Ms. Jared, are required to read and memorize the authors and titles of fourteen different books. Members of Middle School Battle of the Books, led by Dr. O’Brien and assisted by Holly Brantley, are required to read and memorize the authors and titles of twenty-seven different books. Throughout the year, there are three competitions: two “mock” competitions to prepare and allow the BOB members to become familiar with the format and structure of the competitions, and a final competition in which the winner receives a trophy. The first “mock” competition, which took place on February seventeenth, required members to precisely memorize the authors and titles of each book. The Elementary Battle of the Books team tied with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School (OLPH) and the Middle School Battle of the Books team won on the final question, neither team missing an author and title. In the second competition of the year, RMA travelled to OLPH to answer questions based on the content of the books. The Eagles soared, Elementary winning by a score of 72-63 and Middle School winning by a score of 78-63.

    Although Battle of the Books is a type of competition in which a high level of intellect and drive is needed, many other important skills are gained through it, such as patience and teamwork. Head Coach of the Middle School team, Dr. O’Brien, believes Battle of the Books is a good program to participate in because, “BOB gives students a chance to practice their reading skills among others who like to read, to work together as intellectual team, and to gain experience in speaking before an audience. They also get to forge friendships across grade levels.” As any BOB members will say, unity and collaboration are just as vital to the team as any type of intellectual knowledge that can be gained. Eighth grader Krutik Patel remarks, “I love how the team works together to solve the problems and helps each other instead of getting mad. We have a really strong bond as a team and have a deep devotion to this event.” As the BOB members prepare for the final competition on May sixteenth, they will continue to read and review questions for the “BOB Books” several times a week. If you see any BOB members reading in the library or courtyard, please congratulate them on their hard work and let them know you’re cheering them on for the next competition!