TESTING THEIR KNOWLEDGE — Pugliese West Elementary School pupils put their literary knowledge on display Wednesday, as the school held its second-annual Battle of the Books event. Students in grades three and four visited the Steubenville High School Crimson Center where eight teams answered trivia questions based on books they have read for the challenge. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Students at Pugliese West Elementary School put their literary knowledge on display during the second-annual Battle of the Books Wednesday in the Steubenville High School Crimson Center. Eight teams competed in answering a series of trivia questions based on five books they read since January. Organizer Krystal Yourkovich, who planned the activity with the help of teachers and the Community Connections Team, stated approximately 36 students in grades three and four showed off their skills during the event.

“The teams consisted of students at or above the fourth-grade level,” Yourkovich explained, noting each team had four or five members. “The children met at Pugliese West once a week after school since Christmas.”

Teams got together during the 12-week period and held mock battles to prepare for their big night.

Teams consisted of the Plot Twisters, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hogwarts Hotshots, We’re Going Places, Wicked Reading Wizards, Alice’s Adventures, Wicked Readers and the Wizards of Adventure.

Each team had a coach and must had read five books to have been chosen by their teachers. Students practiced answering questions about literature, based the novels “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” by E.L. Konigsburg; “Matilda,” by Roald Dahl; “The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” by Beverly Cleary; “The World According to Humphrey,” by Betty G. Birney; and “Liberty Porter, First Daughter,” by Julia Devillers.

“Everybody had to be knowledgeable of all five books,” Yourkovich said. “A committee of teachers selected the questions. The students had to have correctly answered and spelled the author’s last name. There were three rounds and a total of 45 questions. There were also tie-breaker questions.”

Team members took part in a costume contest based upon the stories’ characters and were judged by fellow students.

The Battle of the Books’ top team received a trophy and gift card. All teams received support from their peers through treats, encouraging messages and signs.

“It’s nice for the kids to see other kids supporting them and for the younger kids to see if they want to sign up next year,” Yourkovich continued.

“We heard that a school in Pennsylvania had done it and decided to bring it to Pugliese West,” Yourkovich concluded. “My goal is for these kids to develop a love for readying.” It is the school’s hope to inspire more children to read and take part on future battle teams.