Join Us for Battle of the Books + Literary Fair

Join us for one of Red Hill’s most exciting literacy events of the year. Battle of the Books transforms reading into a high-energy, team-based competition where students put their book knowledge to the test in front of a live audience. But the fun doesn’t stop there. This event is also a full Literary Fair designed to bring books to life for students and families.

 

This event is free to attend and all Red Hill families and friends are welcome to attend, even if you don't have a child competing. 

Event Details

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: 4:30–7:00 PM
Location: Red Hill Elementary
Competitors: Students in Grades 3–5

Event Schedule

4:30–5:00 PM – Doors Open + Literary Fair
5:00–5:15 PM – Team Introductions + Kickoff
5:15–5:40 PM – Competition Round 1
5:40–6:00 PM – Intermission
6:00–6:25 PM – Competition Round 2
6:25–6:45 PM – Tie Breaker (if needed)
6:45–7:00 PM – Awards Ceremony

Why Attend

  • Cheer on our student competitors

  • Meet children’s book authors

  • Explore literacy booths and activities

  • Shop the Bookmobile fundraiser

  • Connect with local literacy organizations

  • Celebrate reading as a community

Whether you stay for the competition, the fair, or both, this is a fun and inspiring night for all ages.

Literary Fair + Special Guests

Our Literary Fair will be open throughout the event from 4:30–7:00 PM. Families are welcome to browse at any time and enjoy a variety of book-centered experiences and community guests.

 

Featured authors and illustrators (books available for purchase and signing):

 

John Archambault
John Archambault is an American children's book author, poet, story teller, and musician. He is known best for his best selling children's book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Among his most recognizable children's books are Knots on a Counting Rope, Barn Dance, Boom Chicka Rock, Here Are My Hands, and The Birth of a Whale.

 

Caroline Arnold
Caroline Arnold is the author of more than 170 children’s books spanning fiction and nonfiction. Her work brings science, nature, and everyday discovery to life for students.

 

Deisy Castaneda-Price
Deisy Castañeda-Price is a bilingual children’s book author and educator who writes empowering stories that celebrate self-love, individuality, and diverse cultures, inspired by her family and multicultural heritage.

 

José Chávez
José Chávez writes bilingual poetry and children’s stories that celebrate culture, language, and family traditions through vivid imagery and lyrical storytelling.

Marie Chan
Marie Chan writes children’s books that amplify underrepresented voices and highlight Asian American history. A former public school teacher, her award-winning work inspires empathy, cultural awareness, and a love of learning.

Vontavia J. Heard
Vontavia J. Heard is a children’s author focused on empowering and uplifting young readers. Her engaging stories blend literacy and creativity to make learning fun.

Susi Schaefer
Susi Schaefer is an author and illustrator whose books combine warmth, humor, and encouragement, helping children build confidence both on stage and in everyday life.

 

Also featured:

  • The Arvida Bookmobile fundraiser

  • OC Public Libraries

  • Tustin Public Schools Foundation

  • Tustin Parks & Recreation

  • Literacy booths and interactive activities

  • Visiting educators from across the district

2026 Reading List

This year’s competitors prepared by reading the following titles:

  • Finding Langston – Lisa Cline-Ransome

  • The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza – Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris

  • Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library – Chris Grabenstein

  • The Fourteenth Goldfish – Jennifer L. Holm

  • The Superteacher Project – Gordon Korman

  • From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – E.L. Konigsburg

  • Inside Out & Back Again – Thanhha Lai

  • The Lost Library – Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

  • A Rover’s Story – Jasmine Warga

Thank You to Our Supporters

 

Battle of the Books is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grant partners, and school community who help bring literacy programs and enrichment opportunities to Red Hill students.Their support helps fund author visits, Literary Fair experiences, student reading programs, and enrichment events that foster a lifelong love of books.

 

We are grateful for the partnership and support of:

  • Battle of the Books Coaches - Ms. Vinnie Yeung, Mrs. Reena Fosse, Mrs. Debbie Ludes
  • Tustin Public Schools Foundation
  • Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana
  • Red Hill Staff & Volunteers
  • Foothill High School CSF Student Volunteers
  • Red Hill Administration