Updates on the Alma Powell Branch Library can be found on kpl.gov/pow

Global Reading Challenge

Promoting Reading & World Culture


The Global Reading Challenge is a Battle of the Books program sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library. The Challenge promotes the reading of fiction and nonfiction that celebrate the world’s diverse community. The Global Reading Challenge is limited to 4th- and 5th-grade classes within the Kalamazoo Public Library District.


Global Reading Challenge Objectives

  • To promote the love of reading (and have fun)
  • To promote the use of public libraries as neighborhood and community resource centers
  • To introduce children to a wide variety of literature and multicultural reading materials (and have fun)
  • To provide a recreational outlet for readers
  • To encourage children to participate in a group activity (and have fun)
  • To encourage children to read for retention
  • To provide positive experiences between children, librarians, teachers, and parents (and have fun)
  • To form partnership with local schools and businesses, and strengthen community ties
  • To build confidence and integrity in young readers (and have fun)
  • To participate in a public library activity that promotes reading as a pleasurable lifelong experience.

2024 Challenge

Branch Challenge Schedule

  • Monday, March 11, 6:30 pm, Oshtemo Branch Challenge – Arcadia’s The Champions, King-Westwood’s URKW, and Prairie Ridge’s The Dog Ears – please note the Oshtemo Branch Challenge will take place in the community room at the Oshtemo Township Hall, 7275 W. Main Street
  • Monday, March 11, 6:30 pm,  Eastwood Branch Challenge – El Sol’s Fire Chapters, Spring Valley’s Mrs. Howard’s Deviled Eggs, and Northeastern’s The Bubbles.
  • Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 pm, Powell Branch Challenge – Lincoln’s Lincoln Cool Cats, Northglade’s B.O.B., and Woods Lake’s Wild Readers – please note the Powell Branch Challenge will take place in the gymnasium at Lincoln Elementary School, 912 N. Burdick Street
  • Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 pm, Washington Square Branch Challenge – Edison’s FFF, Milwood’s The Brene Team, and Washington’s The Honeybees
  • Thursday, March 14, 6:30 pm, Central Library Challenge – Parkwood Upjohn’s The Odder Otters, Winchell’s The Book Legends, and Kazoo School’s Book Troopers

Final District Challenge

Monday, March 18, Central Library (advancing teams from each Branch Challenge)

Northeastern, Prairie Ridge, Northglade, Milwood, and Winchell


2013-grc-participant-160.jpg
photo: George Kuttner

History

In the late 1930s two Chicago school librarians developed a program to test young readers’ knowledge of good literature. The program reached thousands of Chicago school children and was quickly turned into a weekly radio quiz program known as The Battle of the Books. Questions about characters, plots, and settings were answered by teams representing public elementary schools. Answers were usually the titles of well-known fiction books and biographies.


How it Works

Ten books are selected each year by Kalamazoo children’s librarians, especially suited to the reading interests of their young readers. A wide range of reading levels is represented by selected books so all students can participate in the Challenge. Questions are based on specific factual and content information found within the 10 selected books.

GRC Teacher and Coach Guide PDF


Learn More

For more information about the Global Reading Challenge at Kalamazoo Public Library, please contact the KPL Youth Outreach Coordinator or call (269) 553-7885.


2024 Global Reading Challenge Book Titles

eBook

Libby by OverDrive

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero [2020]

Baptist, Kelly J.

eAudiobook

Libby by OverDrive

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero [2020]

Baptist, Kelly J.

eBook

Libby by OverDrive

The Lemonade War [2009]

Davies, Jacqueline

eBook

Libby by OverDrive

Rescue on the Oregon Trail [2015]

Messner, Kate

eBook

Libby by OverDrive

Stuntboy, In-Between Time [2023]

Reynolds, Jason

eAudiobook

Libby by OverDrive

Stuntboy, In-Between Time [2023]

Reynolds, Jason

eBook

hoopla

Solimar [2022]

Pam Muñoz Ryan

eAudiobook

Share: Facebook Twitter