2023 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!

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
A magical, thrilling adventure
Twelve-year-old Amari Peters gets an invitation from her missing brother, Quinton, to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. An evil magician is threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates think she’s an enemy, but if Amari doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.
Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Award winner, New York Times bestseller
Available at: DTDL | GLADL | Hoopla
Discussion & Activity Guide

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm
A big-hearted space tale
Bell has spent all eleven years of his life on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats, any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, it's up to Bell to uncover the truth and save his family . . . and possibly unite an entire planet.
New York Times bestseller, Author is a three-time Newbery Honor winner
Available at: DTDL | GLADL 
Discussion & Activity Guide

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
A contemporary, coming-of-age story
Merci Suárez begins the sixth grade and knows things will change, but she did not count on dealing with popular girl Edna Santos’ jealousy, not fitting in at her private school, and her grandfather acting strangely. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school.
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Charlotte Huck Honor Award, Kirkus Prize Finalist
Available at: DTDL | GLADL 
Discussion & Activity Guide

We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly
A 1980's set, multi-viewpoint drama
It's 1986 and the Nelson Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga, who has given her students a project around the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. As the fated day approaches, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.
Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Notable Children’s Book, School Library Journal Best Book, ALA Notable Book
Available at: DTDL | GLADL | Hoopla
Discussion & Activity Guide

Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
A whimsical, action-packed fantasy
The last thing eleven-year-old Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure; he yearns for the quiet life of a mushroom farmer. But after unwittingly bonding with a beast in the forbidden Woods, he must seek help from the mysterious Lore Keepers to break the bond and return home.
New York Times Bestseller, Barnes & Noble Monthly Children’s Pick, Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Selection Title
Available at: DTDL | GLADL 
Discussion & Activity Guide