Join Us for Battle of the Books + Literary Fair

Battle of the Books is a fun and friendly student team competition that tests students’ memory and knowledge of the books they’ve read. It transforms reading into a thrilling, team-based experience that encourages students to explore a diverse selection of titles, think deeply, and work together.

This literacy challenge builds a love of reading, strengthens comprehension, and fosters meaningful connections among peers as they share stories and collaborate.

 

Battle of the Books is more than just a student competition. It’s a full literacy celebration for our Red Hill community. Families are invited to come cheer on our student teams while also enjoying our expanded Literary Fair, featuring special guests, community partners, and book-focused experiences.

 

Literary Fair Highlights

  • 7 visiting authors will be onsite with books available for purchase and signing

  • The Arvida Bookmobile will be joining us as a fundraiser

  • Community partners including TPSF, OC Public Libraries, and Tustin Parks & Recreation will be present

  • We’re also welcoming visiting teachers, librarians, and principals from across the district

This event is completely free to attend and a wonderful opportunity to support our students, connect with the broader literacy community, and browse books while enjoying the excitement of the competition.

Event Details

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: 4:30–7:00 PM
Location: Red Hill Elementary

Competitors: Students from Grades 3–5

Literary Fair + Special Guests

Kick off the evening at our Literary Fair, a highlight of the event designed to bring books to life for students and families.

 

What to Expect:

  • Meet special guest authors
  • Literacy booths and activities
  • Book-themed displays
  • Interactive reading experiences
  • Opportunities to celebrate reading as a community

Literary Fair Hours: 4:30–7:00 PM

 

All Red Hill families are welcome to attend, even if your child is not competing.

Event Schedule

4:30–5:00 PM – Doors Open + Literary Fair + Special Guests
5:00–5:15 PM – Team Introductions + Event 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

2026 Reading List

This year’s competing students have been reading and preparing with 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, special guests, Literary Fair experiences, student reading programs, and enrichment events that foster a lifelong love of books. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and commitment to literacy in our school community.

 

We would like to extend special thanks to the following supporters:

 

  • Our dedicated Battle of the Books coaches: Ms. Vinnie Yeung, Mrs. Reena Fosse, Mrs. Debbie Ludes
  • Tustin Public Schools Foundation For awarding the TPSF Enrichment Grant in support of our Battle of the Books program.
  • Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana For awarding the Educator Good Idea Grant to help fund this year’s program.
  • Mr. Miranda, Red Hill Head Custodian For supporting our event setup and preparing the MPR.
  • Ms. Sarina Cruz & Mrs. Julia Wood For their help and support throughout the Battle of the Books season.
  • CSF Student Volunteers – Foothill High School For generously volunteering their time to support our event.
  • Ms. Teri Malpass, Red Hill Principal For her continued encouragement and unwavering support of Battle of the Books.

LITERACY FAIR GUEST AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS

  • Marie Chan - Children’s author highlighting underrepresented voices and historical nonfiction

  • Vontavia J. Heard - Children’s author focused on empowering and uplifting young readers

  • Michael Mullin - Award-winning author known for fairytale retellings and educational storytelling

  • Caroline Arnold - Author of more than 170 children’s fiction and nonfiction books

  • Chris Robertson - Children’s book author and illustrator with an animation background

  • Susi Schaefer - Picture book author and illustrator

  • José Chávez - Bilingual poet and children’s book author