The seventh annual Humble ISD Battle of the Books was a page-turning success, bringing together students, educators, families, and community partners in a full day dedicated to celebrating reading and student achievement.
On Saturday, March 29, Humble High School hosted an exciting competition featuring 29 elementary schools and 10 middle schools vying for the coveted title of Champion Reader for the 2024–2025 school year.
Judges for the event included Humble ISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Christy Erb, Humble ISD Director of Elementary Education Stephanie Davis and Elite Hospital’s Lauren Cash. Darla Pruitt of Harris County Public Library awarded the team prizes.
The Foster Elementary Rockin’ Readers claimed first place, with The Book Bros from Hidden Hollow Elementary taking second. Special team recognitions included:
Best Team Name: Reading with My Gnomies – Deerwood Elementary
Best Team Spirit: Bookish Gummy Bears – Elm Grove Elementary
Best Team Costume: The Trash Ratz – Greentree Elementary
Best Team Poster: Radioactive Lemonade – Groves Elementary
Battle of the Books Elementary School Gallery
The day began with a warm welcome — and warm drinks — from Blue Butler's Coffee Truck, fueling up guests for the elementary competition. Between competitions, students and families enjoyed hands-on activity tables sponsored by community groups. Participants filled out raffle cards for a chance to win an e-reader tablet and gift cards provided by Community Resource Credit Union and Barnes & Noble.
Before the middle school showdown, families had the opportunity to meet award-winning authors Meg Kuyatt and Mari Mancusi, brought to the event by Elite Hospital. Food trucks from Funnelocity, The Vegan Vibe, and Rosy’s Taqueria satisfied the appetites of all in attendance.
The middle school competition began at 1:00 p.m., with an esteemed judging panel: Humble ISD Chief of Community Engagement and Government Relations Jerri Monbaron, Humble ISD Chief Academic Officer Melissa Hayhurst and Jeremy Byrnes, CFO of Elite Hospital.
Riverwood Middle School’s Vanquishers took home the 1st place trophy, with The Bookshelf Bandits, also from Riverwood, earning the runner-up title. Creative team honors included:
Best Team Name: We Accidentally Vaporized Our Librarian – Atascocita Middle School
Best Team Spirit: Something Like Cougs – Kingwood Middle School
Best Team Costume: The Gator-ific Genres – Autumn Ridge Middle School
This year marked the largest Battle of the Books yet, with overwhelming community participation and support. From creative costumes and clever team names, to author meet-and-greets and literacy-focused fun, the event showcased Humble ISD’s commitment to fostering a love for reading across all grade levels.
If you would like to support Battle of the Books, donations help provide books, student prizes, and opportunities to bring in visiting authors. Contributions can be made on the Humble ISD Education Foundation Donation Page.