In 2025, the Battle of the Books Grand Traverse mixed it up with very different stories -- from kids stuck in an airport to a boy who makes an owl-headed friend. The Tournament schedule was optimized to keep energy levels up for coaches and kids. We welcomed 55 teams with 293 readers participating.
Of the eight book titles, popular choices among the readers were Scritch Scratch, Leeva At Last, and Elf Dog & Owl Head.
Lindsay Currie, author of Scritch Scratch, had the teams mesmerized describing how she creates spooky tales based on real events. Teams were eager to pick up their awards and meet Lindsay Currie at the end of the Tournament day.
Congratulations!
Champion Team: Rockin’ Readers
- Xander Thompson
- Olin McGray
- Julian VanderMolen
- Frank Oleson
- Henry Martin
Head Coach Amanda Williams
Amphitheatre Top Team: Banana Book Boys
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- Logan Howard
- Arthur Kramer
- Wyatt Wichtoski
- Alex Davis
- Isaac Campbell
Head Coach Jonathan Davis
Lightning Trials Top Team: The Book Bunnies
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- Olivia Joaquin
- Avery Kortokrax
- Lana Williams
- Naomi Forro
- Hanna L.
- Mackenzie Rycenga
Head Coach Heather Kortokrax
Team Battles Top Team: Rubber Ducky Readers
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- Iver Augusta
- Max Comstock
- Sam Hackney
- Ty Handley
- Theo Srebinski
- Brennan Warnsholz
Head Coach Catie Ballard
Team Awards
- Most Creative Team Name ~ Bookstreet Boys
- Best Coat of Arms and Slogan ~ Spacetacular Squid Squad who “Splash our way into the pages of a good book”
- Best Sportsmanship ~ The Leelanau Book Potatoes
- Most Spirited Team ~ The Wild Western Readers
Booklist
Sponsors
Special thanks to eFulfillment Service, Sera & Richard Thompson, Anne & Robert Tucker, Richard & Susan Bingham, Cameron & Dan Farley, and Traverse Area District Library.
