Lake Orion fifth graders engage in Battle of the Books
By Jim Newell
Managing Editor
ORION TWP. — It was a battle of epic proportions.
Sure, there were costumes, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and treats and other comforts not typically associated with a “battle.” That’s because the weapons of choice for Lake Orion fifth graders in the annual Battle of the Books was the knowledge they possessed.

Orion Township Public Library staff hosted the fifth grade Battle of the Books at Waldon Middle School on Saturday, testing students on their knowledge of books they had read in preparation for the competition. Kickoff for the event was in November, when students learned what books they would be reading.
The library began Battle of the Books in 1986 and since then it has become a favorite event for librarians and students, who get to test their knowledge against their peers in a fun environment, said Ashley Lehman, head of youth services at the library.
This year, there were 138 fifth graders who made up 33 teams for the Battle. The teams had to read 10 books and answer questions that tested their knowledge. The winners, determined by which team has the most correct answers, were announced during a ceremony on Tuesday.
Winners
The Sly Spies team of Aubrey Christensen, Charlotte Butcher, Delilah Frost and Emily Valdez took first place with 95 points.

Second place went to The Readers Club team of Charlotte Clayton, Eva Locke, Leah Kosch, Maddie Shell, Madelin Kaczkowski with 94 points.
The Gotta Read ‘Em All team of Asher Vanderhovel, Cameron Cao, Henry Scaff, Jermy Holtzclaw finished in third place with 93 points.
Team Awards
Best Team Costume went to the Prisoners of Doom team of Aiden Bedient, Charlotte Harris, Charlotte Mackela, Gemma Buckingham and Isabella Brunais.
Best Team Name went to Angela Garbuzov, Kate Baker, Lara Andrade and Summer Natsume Soriaga for “Readalotls.”
The Chapter Chads team of Benjamin Cruz, James Goldenbogen, MJ Knight, Owen Kreiner and Paxton Cruz won Best Team Spirit.