In 2026, the NWS Battle of the Books updated the Amphitheatre event to make it easier to prep for and enjoy as a team. We welcomed 53 teams with 280 readers participating.
Of the eight book titles, popular choices among the readers were The Mystery of Radcliffe Riddle, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, and Eyes On The Sky.
Dion Leonard and his trusty doggie pal Gobi captivated teams with their journey to find each other and a forever home for Gobi. Award-winning teams were congratulated by Dion Leonard, and everyone got a chance to see Dion and Gobi at the end of the Tournament.
Congratulations!
Champion Team: The Racing Readers
- Larkyn Cova
- Ryelyn Franco
- Chantry Halt
- Vivian Milam
- Isla Nack
Head Coach Heather Halt
Amphitheatre Top Team: Beauties In The Books
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- Katherine Ashton
- Frances Egan
- Annalise Girrbach
- Mira Miller
- Penelope Potthoff
- Annalise Reynolds
Head Coach Shanna Girrbach and Assistant Coach Laura Ashton
Lightning Trials Top Team: Chapter Chickens
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- Noah Bauman
- Wesley Haynes
- Maxon Janiszewski
- Hawk Palazzolo
- Luke Smith
Head Coach Charlotte Smith
Team Battles Top Team: Books, Boots, and Buckles
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- Grace Abbring
- Madeline Anderson
- Kooper Arnold
- Calla Bigelow
- Annistyn Milner
- Grady Povolo
Head Coach Tana Povolo
Team Awards
- Most Creative Team Name ~ Caught Read-Handed
- Best Coat of Arms and Slogan ~ The Creative Coven “We find the mystical magic within books”
- Best Sportsmanship ~ Cosmic Cows
- Most Spirited Team ~ Book Ballers
Booklist
Eyes On The Sky
J. Kasper Kramer
Chunky
Yehudi Mercado
The Wrong Way Home
Kate O'Shaughnessy
Gregor The Overlander
Suzanne Collins
The Mystery of the Racliffe Riddle
Taryn Souders
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
Chanel Miller
Sponsors
Special thanks to eFulfillment Service, Sera & Richard Thompson, Anne & Robert Tucker, Richard & Susan Bingham, Cameron & Dan Farley, and Traverse Area District Library.
