Battle of the Books: A Year 2 Library Event

We love hearing how school libraries bring their communities together. Tifanie Nelson, Library Engagement Officer at Heights College in North Rockhampton, shares how a Year 2 classroom task grew into one of the library’s favourite events of the year.

In our library, I love bringing the school community together. Turning school events and celebrations into library experiences for students of every year level is one of my favourite parts of the job. And one of the best of those experiences started with a group of Year 2s.

All nine finalists, recognised for their courage and effort.

It started with an idea from the students

Battle of the Books began last year when our Year 2 cohort came to me with an idea. As part of their curriculum, students write a persuasive letter explaining why a chosen book should be purchased for our library. Teachers pick three books, and each student chooses one to advocate for.

It was already a great classroom task. With the teachers' support, we turned it into something much bigger.

Standing up in front of the whole library takes real courage.

From classroom task to library event

Each class selects three finalists to read their letters aloud, which gives us nine finalists in total. We promote the event with posters and assemblies, then invite Primary students and teachers to fill the library and hear the finalists present.

Standing up in front of a room of older students and teachers is a big deal for a Year 2, and watching them do it is a highlight of my year. Once all nine have presented, I choose the most persuasive entry. I'm looking for clear pronunciation, exciting adjectives and an enthusiastic delivery that brings the writer's ideas to life.

The winner's prize

Savannah, our 2026 champion, with her winning book.

Over the holidays, the winner is notified so they have time to practise their presentation. I buy two copies of their chosen book: one is a gift for the student, and the other goes on our library shelves.

This year's winner was Savannah Hove, who stood out with a highly persuasive letter and an engaging presentation. Her book of choice was The Art in Country: A Treasury for Children by Bronwyn Bancroft, and her love of books and confidence in sharing her ideas certainly made an impression on our Library Ladies. We can't wait for everyone to enjoy it.

Back to school with a crown

In the first week of the new school year, all nine finalists are recognised at Primary Assembly for their courage and effort. Then the winner presents their letter to the whole Primary school, explaining why their book deserves a place on our shelves.

To finish, the previous winner passes on the Battle of the Books crown, and the new champion wears it proudly for the day. It's a very sweet moment.

Why it works

What begins as a curriculum task becomes a memorable celebration of literacy, confidence and the power of student voice. Students see that their opinions matter, that persuasive writing has a real purpose, and that the books on our shelves can be chosen by them.

The heart of the school

A memorable celebration of literacy, confidence and student voice.

Battle of the Books is just one of many events we host. Throughout the year you'll find high school Battle of the Bands signings, science week lunchtime quizzes, parents in the library, school musical countdowns and reveals, live music at lunchtimes, and art displays and exhibitions. We work hard to engage our space with what's happening across the school, because we want the library to be the heart of it.

Thank you to Tifanie and the Heights College community for sharing their story.

Battle of the Books: Year 2 Students Choose the Next Library Book