2024 Books

The booklist includes books that are written for young readers and will appeal to all ages. Battles will include questions about all five books.

All books are available to borrow from DTDL and GLADL in multiple formats, including ebooks, audio, and print. In addition, registered teams will each receive a Battle Kickoff Kit, which includes a set of the books.

Love this year's Battle books? Check out our booklist of suggested readalikes for all five books!

A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser
A heartwarming tale of friendship
It's June’s first day at Huey House, and as if losing her home weren’t enough, she also can’t bring her cherished viola inside. Tyrell has been at Huey House for three years and gives June a glimpse of the good things about living there. Their friendship grows as they join forces to confront a new housing policy that puts homeless families in danger.
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series, with multiple starred reviews and listed on many "Best of 2022" booklists
Available at: DTDL | GLADL | Hoopla
Activity Guide

Virtual Author Visit: Karina Yan Glaser will be joining us via Zoom for a book chat and Q&A on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 pm. Hear the story behind the book, learn what it’s like to be an author, and ask questions. Registered Battle participants will be sent the Zoom information to join. Anyone else wanting to attend is welcome and may register here.

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
A Thai-inspired, historical high-seas saga
As assistant to Mangkon's most celebrated mapmaker, Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas. When Sai learns that the ship might be heading for the fabled Sunderlands, a land of dragons, dangers, and riches beyond imagining, she must weigh the cost of her dreams. 
From the three-time Newbery honoree, a 2023 Newbery Honor Book and Walter Dean Myers Honor Book for Young Readers
Available at: DTDL | GLADL | Hoopla
Activity Guide

Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
A neurodiverse story with a sci-fi twist
Cora and Adrien both know what it is like to navigate a world that isn't always built for the neurodiverse. The two are fast friends until an accident puts Adrien in a coma. Cora is devastated until the Pomegranate Institute offers to let Cora talk to Adrien again, as a hologram. While at first enchanted, Cora soon discovers Pomegranate has secrets to hide. 
From the three-time Carnegie nominated author and Schneider Family Book Award honoree, a Blackwell’s Book of the Month a Bookseller’s Best Book of 2021
Available at: DTDL | GLADL 
Activity Guide

The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle
A fantasy of ancient magic and Irish folklore
The time has come for Fionn Boyle’s grandfather to step down from his job as Storm Keeper of Arranmore, protector of the island’s magic. But as Arranmore’s most powerful families fight to become the island’s next champion, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on rekindling a long-ago war and changing Fionn’s life and the island’s future forever.
From a bestselling and award-winning author, with multiple starred reviews
Available at: DTDL | GLADL 
Activity Guide

Valentina Salazar is Not a Monster Hunter by Zoraida Córdova
A hilarious paranormal adventure
Valentina Salazar grew up as a monster protector until losing her father. Now her family is trying to live a normal life. But when a video of a mythical egg appears, Valentina convinces her older brother and sister to help her find and save it, all while avoiding the monster hunters who want to destroy it.
From the International Latino Book Award winning author, with multiple starred reviews
Available at: DTDL | GLADL | Hoopla
Activity Guide