North Mahaska sent two six-member teams, one elementary and one middle school, to compete in the Great Prairie Area Education Agency Battle of the Books competition at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center on April 8 and 9, 2019. The team members read and studied 30 books to prepare for the contest. Elementary team members were sixth graders  Emma Cooper, Michael Hudnut, Sierra Myers, Breckyn Schilling, Emma Vertz, and Ben Yang.  They were coached by Mrs. Shawna Goemaat. Middle school team members were Brady Blommers, Makayla Darland, Aidan Eischen, Cole Garman, Lane Harmon, and Ben Johannes. They were coached by Mrs. Kate Hite. 

Teams were allowed one hour to complete a 60-question, short answer test. While the tests were being scored, students enjoyed a presentation by Iowa author, Sarah Prineas. Students were able to purchase books by the author and have them autographed.

Five teams qualified to advance to the oral round, where teams were challenged with additional questions. Although North Mahaska did not advance, they found the journey rewarding. “I really like being part of BOB because I read books I normally wouldn’t pick out and found that I enjoyed them,” quipped Adian Eischen. The teams would also like to thank Ms. Dianna Klinker of Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon, Ms. Tanya Adkins,  Mrs. Eleanor Robinson, and Mrs. Deb Whitis of the school library for their support in preparing for battle.

Elementary picture: (front) Emma Cooper, Breckyn Schilling, and Sierra Myers; (back) Emma Vertz, Ben Yang, and Michael Hudnut.

Secondary picture: Makayla Darland, Lane Harmon, Brady Blommers, Aidan Eischen, Cole Garman, and Ben Johannes