Nine high school teams from Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) brought their love of books to the 2026 Battle of the Books High School District Competition. Approximately 100 students in grades 9-12 participated in the event, showcasing their impressive reading, knowledge, and teamwork skills.
Battle of the Books is a statewide competition for students in grades 4-12, and participants read books from a list of diverse genres established by state committees. Each team was required to read 16 books and participate in a quiz-bowl-style tournament to test their knowledge of the books, such as the author’s names and other details about the books.
"Battle of the Books proves that literacy can be a team sport."
- Kaye Menjivar,
JCPS Digital Learning & Media Specialist
While waiting for the tournament to begin, some teams took that time to engage with their teammates and those from other schools, giving them a chance to have a little fun before the competition. Other teams practiced one last time, quizzing each other in hopes of bringing the first-place trophy back to their school.
When the competition was over, Johnston County Early College Academy won top honors. This year was a back-to-back win for Johnston County Early College Academy, as they also won first place in the 2025 competition. In second place was North Johnston High, and third was South Johnston High. The Johnston County Early College Academy team advanced and will compete against other schools in the Region 3 Battle of the Books Competition on March 20, 2026, at the Harnett County Schools Gentry Educational Center in Erwin, NC.
But, not just the teams that won medals and the first-place trophy were the winners. Every student who participated in the 2026 High School District Competition won.
“Battle of the Books proves that literacy can be a team sport. By engaging with complex texts and diverse viewpoints, high school students who participate in Battle of the Books sharpen the very skills, including critical thinking, vocabulary, and collaboration, that define academic excellence,” stated Kaye Menjivar, JCPS Digital Learning & Media Specialist.
“More importantly, they cultivate an intellectual curiosity and passion for reading that doesn't just prepare them for college, but enriches their entire journey beyond it,” she added.
Johnston County Early College Academy
2026 High School Battle of the Books Champions
Pictured are (back row, from left): Caelyn Barlond, Alana Calderon, Beth Stanly, and Jordyn Brown; (front row, from left): Alex Cruz, Elias Rakes, and Amanda Rowland (Coach).
North Johnston High
2nd Place
Pictured are (back row, from left): Vanessa Owens, Savannah Page, Tilese McClendon, Colby Johnson, and Savannah Creech ; (front row, from left): Kailyn Wiley, McKenna Swann, Skyla Hart, Juliette Kerr, Emily Holland, Kerry Nichols (Coach).
South Johnston High
3rd Place
Pictured are (from left): Caroline Hollin, Valeria Cruz Cruz, Melody Hardy, Johnathan Allen, and Angie Pierce (Assistant Coach).
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2026 Battle of the Books High School District Competition!