The Chesapeake Public Library and the Suffolk Public Library have partnered up to bring a game-show style reading competition to fifth-grade students in the two cities. Registration began in fall of 2016, and the competitions take place throughout the month of February.

The final battle will take place on Feb. 25 at the Chesapeake Central Library, 298 Cedar Road. Semifinals will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch and a makerspace until 1:30 p.m. The day will conclude with finals from 2 to 4 p.m.

Overall, students are excited and are working on their teamwork skills to compete and answer questions. Chesapeake has had participation from 15 schools. Suffolk has had participation from nine out of the 11 elementary schools. Twenty-four teams will be moving on to the Southside Battle of the Books competition on Feb. 25.

Battle of the Books promotes reading and introduces new literature to fifth-grade students. Teams are encouraged to read and answer questions based upon selected titles. Winning teams from each preliminary event will advance to the finale and have a chance to win prizes, including bragging rights and a trophy for their school.

To learn more about Battle of the Books and the list of books selected for 2017, visit southsidebob.com.