Local librarian Tamara King agreed to starting The Ko‘olauloa Battle of the Books afterschool reading program in 2015 after talking with a North Shore-based educator, Rachel Plunkett.
“She told me about her childhood experiences participating in a Battle of the Books on the Mainland. She highlighted all the benefits of having a reading activity that emphasizes teamwork, reading deeply, memorization and friendly competition,” King told Aloha State Daily by email. “She knew this program would be successful in our community because sports are such a big deal here. She also knew of another parent, who participated in the program, and who would support a local version of Battle of the Books for her keiki, who attended a different school. So voilà, we immediately had two possible volunteers from two different elementary schools.
“Since it's a program promoting the love of reading and community building, I thought, ‘Yes! Let's do it.’”
King, who serves as Kahuku Public and School Library’s branch manager, said the next day she started researching America’s Battle of the Books, for which the program — an afterschool reading program that culminates in a game show-style competition — is modeled after.
As part of the program, keiki read through a list of pre-selected books throughout the school year then compete in a trivia contest showcasing what they've learned.
Now in its eighth year, The Koʻolauloa Battle of the Books is set for Saturday, April 11, at the Kahuku Public and School Library and the Kahuku High School cafeteria.
“This program is so uplifting! It's incredible to see how sharp the keiki are with their recall skills. They have worked hard reading through a list of 13 books and are excited to showcase their reading skills to their friends, family, neighbors and teachers," King said. “The buzzer round is just as exciting as a sports event, with the crowd erupting in cheers and whoops when a team gets a correct answer.”
When compiling the reading list, King said organizers initially “used a set book list from the Mainland,” however, later “created our own book lists with an emphasis on incorporating local authors and stories that better reflect our community.”
“One year, we engaged the principals of the participating elementary schools by giving them a curated list of ideal books and leaving the final choice up to them,” she said. “It was a great way to see what books the principals enjoyed and to get them more involved with the logistics of the competition. The principals often attend to cheer on their school's teams and coaches and provide goodies for their students.”
According to King, the reading lists are made based on input from supporters of the program, like parents, coaches, teachers and contestants; award-winning literature for children; the availability of books in Hawai‘i or through online retailers; and a balance of genres.
"As a librarian, I hope everyone gets to escape into a book and at the end of the story, come away with a deeper understanding of life circumstances and individual choices,” King told ASD. “Reading (and listening) to fiction builds empathy and also provides hours of screen-free entertainment.”
The competition is free to students, though the library has “invested significantly” in additional copies of the books, promotional materials, buzzer systems, trophies and medals, among other supplies for the event over the years, she said. Supporters have included the Hawai'i State Public Library System, Friends of the Library of Hawai'i, Friends of the Library Kahuku, Turtle Bay Foundation, Hawai'i Community Foundation, State of Hawai'i Grant-in-Aid and Ko'olau Pilina. Local businesses have also sponsored prizes.
What do keiki and families most enjoy about the program? King noted, based on survey results: “Being on a team with their friends, reading the book and making it to the district competition where they can get on a stage and use the buzzers. The families appreciate an event to promote reading amongst their keiki and their peers, as well as encourage family reading.”
One of her favorite parts of the event is “when keiki challenge a question during the rounds," she said. “It's so inspiring to see keiki with confidence and communication skills to speak up and say, ʻI disagree with that answer.ʻ Sometimes it happens on the stage in front of hundreds of people.”
She also enjoys “re-reading the book list myself with my colleagues and volunteers as we make the questions.”
“Battle of the Books is truly a collaborative, fun program that allows adults, as well as keiki to work together to accomplish an event that could not be done alone,” King said. “Reading is often a solitary activity, but this program makes reading fiction social and exciting.”
Nearly 100 elementary students across five schools from Waimea to Ka'a'awa are expected to compete in April. About 50 to 60 staff and volunteers are needed to make this event possible, King said.
“A handful of staff and volunteers also help us with pre-event logistics such as reviewing the books, creating/editing questions, revising volunteer handouts and preparing event supplies,” King noted.
Those interested in more information and/or volunteering, click here.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
