Twenty-two elementary school teams from Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) brought their love of books and a lot of energy to the 2026 Battle of the Books Elementary School District Competition. A total of 185 fourth- and fifth-grade students showcased their impressive reading knowledge and teamwork.
Battle of the Books is a state-wide competition for students in grades 4-12. Students participating in the annual Battle of the Books commit to reading books from a list of diverse genres established by state committees. Each team was required to read 20 books and participate in a quiz-bowl-style tournament to test their knowledge of the books.
“Our Elementary Battle of the Books Competition allows fourth- and fifth-grade students to not only continue to build their reading skills, but also to grow their love of reading. Students enjoy this early opportunity to learn valuable team skills while celebrating the communal joy of sharing important stories with others,” stated Kaye Menjivar, JCPS Digital Learning & Media Specialist.
Each year, the teams show up ready to test their knowledge of the 20 books they read for the competition. Although there were three winning teams, every student at the event also came out a winner. “I participate in Battle of the Books because I enjoy reading and showing my love for books," one student said. “I do it to read and have fun with friends,” another commented.
When it was all said and done, River Dell Elementary took home top honors, with Corinth-Holders Elementary and Riverwood Elementary rounding out the top three, respectively.
The team from River Dell Elementary will compete in the Region 3 Battle of the Books Competition on March 21, 2026, at Corinth-Holders Elementary.
River Dell Elementary
2026 Elementary School Battle of the Books Champions
Pictured (back row, from left): Jeff Contos (Head Coach), Analise Strickland, Avery Gonzalez, and Amy Hasick (Asst. Coach); (front row, from left): Josiah Winfield, Evelyn Hofmann, Nora Brown, and Matthew Heard.
Corinth-Holders Elementary
2nd Place
Pictured (back row, from left): Ashley Eason (Asst. Coach), Melina Leal, Eli Sands, Glorybett Diaz, Quinn Mackay, Kate Bramble, Melissa Waring (Head Coach); (front row, from left): Paris Bailey, Addison Cooper, Kai Eason, Raelynne Dalrymple, Elaine Letchworth, Raylyn Copenheaver.
Riverwood Elementary
3rd Place
Pictured (back row, from left): Angela West (Head Coach), Corbin Cole, Pax Humphries, Romina Bajaras, Amirie Caballero, and Kim McGuire (Asst. Coach); (front row, from left): Harper Epps, Carter Kennedy, Gavin McIntosh, Cassiday Miller, Jackie Kennedy, and Evan Wahl.