Jackson Middle School team wins Battle of the Books traveling trophy

A team from Jackson Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and Science (JMS) will bring the coveted Battle of the Books trophy back to its school after winning the annual competition on Feb. 25. The district Battle of the Books competition challenges middle school students to prove their knowledge and understanding of literature.

How it works: Teams of students compete first within their middle school, and the top-finishing teams advance to a district-level Battle of the Books competition. The annual competition promotes reading and comprehension of literature in a fun and engaging format. 19 teams representing all six middle schools battled to prove they learned key concepts from 25 books chosen for this year’s competition.

The champions: Team “Two Very Cool People & One of Those Band Kids” made up of JMS eighth-grade students Allison Kuechler, Kalyane Vu and Edith Keilor, ended up on top after 41 rounds and 322 questions being asked.

Watch a replay of the 2026 Battle of the Books competition and view photos from the event.

Participating schools:

• Anoka Middle School for the Arts.
• Coon Rapids Middle School.
• Jackson Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and Science.
• Northdale Middle School.
• Oak View Middle School.
• Roosevelt Middle School.

Thanks to the sponsors: Battle of the Books was sponsored by the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation and Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Congratulations to all participants on a successful competition.