Opera
  • Home
  • CHQ Assembly
  • 2023 Season
        • Sweeney Todd
        • La Tragédie de Carmen
        • 2023 Young Artists
        • 2023 Festival & Guest Artists
        • 2023 Directors & Designers
        • 2023 Opera Conservatory
  • About
        • Mission & History
        • Past Productions
        • Leadership
        • Performance Venues & Accessibility
  • Young Artists
        • Young Artist Program
        • Audition FAQs
  • Alumni
  • Opera Conservatory
  • Opera Guild
  • Media
        • Press Releases
        • Chautauquan Daily Articles
        • Opera Virtual Porch Events
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets
Theater
  • Home
  • CHQ Assembly
  • About
        • Leadership
        • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
        • New Play Development
        • Young Playwrights Project
        • Past Productions
        • Our History
  • Conservatory
        • Acting Conservatory
        • Design & Directing Fellowships
        • Alumni in the News
  • Your Visit
  • Get Involved
        • Conservatory Application
        • Administrative & Production Positions
        • Friends of CTC
  • Press
        • Press Releases
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets
Give
  • Home
  • CHQ Assembly
  • Make a Donation
  • Ways to Give
        • Appreciated Securities
        • Capital Support
        • Chautauqua Fund
        • Endowment/Naming
        • Gift Planning
        • Honor Your Host
        • Honorary/Memorial
        • Matching Gifts
        • Monthly Giving
        • Program Sponsor
        • Scholarships
  • Membership Opportunities
        • 1874 Society
        • Bell Tower Society
        • Bestor Society
        • Daugherty Society
        • Lewis Miller Circle
        • NOW Generation
        • Foundation Membership
  • Foundation
        • History & Mission
        • Board of Directors
        • Foundation Staff
        • Foundation Membership
        • Foundation Publications
        • Contact
  • Advancement
        • Institution Board of Trustees
        • Advancement Staff
        • Advancement Publications
        • Contact
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets
Foundation
  • Home
  • CHQ Assembly
  • Mission
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Publications
  • Membership
  • Endowment/Naming
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets

Summer

  • Fall / Winter / Spring
  • CHQ Assembly
  • Discover
        • About The Summer Season
        • Plan Your Experience
          • Experience Planner
          • 2023 Season
          • Buy Gate Passes and Tickets
          • Ticket Information
          • Vacation Safely at Chautauqua
          • Visit Must-Dos
        • About Chautauqua
          • 150 Forward Strategic Plan
          • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) at Chautauqua
        • Places To Stay
          • Athenaeum Hotel
          • Private Accommodations
          • Denominations and Religious Organizations
          • Nearby Accommodations
        • Explore the Grounds and Gardens
          • Maps and Directions
          • Bus and Tram Tracker
          • Accessibility at Chautauqua
          • Plaza Cam
          • Chautauqua Lake Conservation
        • Eat, Drink & Shop
          • Dining
          • Heirloom Restaurant
          • Shopping & Services
          • Food Festival at Chautauqua
        • Experience Community
          • African American Heritage House
          • Chautauqua Women’s Club
          • Bird, Tree & Garden Club
          • LGBTQ and Friends
          • “Friends of” Groups
          • CPOA (Property Owners)
          • Denominations and Religious Organizations
          • Chautauqua Cinema
          • Chautauqua Trail
          • CHQ Dialogues
        • Resources
          • The Smith Memorial Library
          • Post Office
          • Chautauqua Bookstore
          • Services & Amenities
          • Business Center
          • Property Owner Resources
          • Chautauqua Lake Conservation
          • Program Archive
          • Chautauqua Institution Archives
          • FAQs
          • The Chautauquan Daily
          • CHQ&A Podcast
          • Chautauqua Magazine
          • Grounds Policies
  • Schedule
        • Discover Chautauqua
        • Events
          • All Events
          • Weekly Themes
          • Event Calendar
          • Experience Planner
        • Lectures
          • Chautauqua Lecture Series
          • Interfaith Lecture Series
          • Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
          • Other Lectures
        • Performing & Visual Arts
          • Entertainment and Concerts
          • Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Classical Concerts
          • Galleries
          • Chautauqua Chamber Music
          • Dance
        • Resident Programs
          • Chautauqua Literary Arts
          • Chautauqua Opera Company & Conservatory
          • Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
          • Chautauqua Theater Company
          • Chautauqua Visual Arts
          • Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative
        • Classes
        • Religion
          • Daily Worship
          • Sacred Music
          • Abrahamic Program for Young Adults
          • Mystic Heart Interspiritual Meditation Program
          • Denominations and Religious Organizations
          • CHQ Dialogues
        • Recreation
          • Chautauqua Health & Fitness Center
          • Sports Club
          • Golf Club
          • Swimming
          • Tennis Center
          • Sailing
          • Youth Recreation
          • CHQ Trail
        • Youth & Family
          • Day Camps
          • Educational Experiences
          • Youth Activities Center (YAC)
          • Youth Recreation
          • Babysitting
          • Family Scholarship Program
  • Groups
        • Book a Group Experience
        • Road Scholar
        • Chautauqua on a Budget
        • Tour Chautauqua County
        • Chautauqua Travels
  • Festival Schools
        • School of Music
          • Conducting Fellowship
          • Instrumental Program
          • Opera Conservatory
          • Piano Program
        • Dance
        • Art
        • Theater
        • Chautauqua Music Camps
        • Alumni
  • Giving
        • Make a Donation
        • Membership Opportunities
        • Ways to Give
        • Chautauqua Foundation
        • Advancement
  • Buy Tickets
  • Give
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets

Fall / Winter / Spring

  • Summer
  • CHQ Assembly
  • Discover
        • About Year-Round at Chautauqua
        • Plan Your Experience
          • Experience Planner
          • Vacation Safely at Chautauqua
          • Grounds Access and Operations
          • Visit Must-Dos
        • About
          • 150 Forward Strategic Plan
          • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) at Chautauqua
        • Arts Education
        • Classes
        • Resident Programs
          • Literary Arts
          • Chautauqua Opera Company & Conservatory
          • Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
          • Chautauqua Theater Company
          • Chautauqua Visual Arts
          • Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative
        • Explore the Grounds and Gardens
          • Maps and Directions
          • Accessibility at Chautauqua
          • Plaza Cam
          • Chautauqua Lake Conservation
        • Eat, Drink & Shop
          • Dining
          • Shopping & Services
        • Resources
          • The Smith Memorial Library
          • Post Office
          • Chautauqua Bookstore
          • Services & Amenities
          • Business Center
          • Chautauqua Lake Conservation
          • Property Owner Resources
          • Program Archive
          • Chautauqua Institution Archives
          • FAQs
          • The Chautauquan Daily
          • CHQ&A Podcast
          • Chautauqua Magazine
          • Grounds Policies
  • Accommodations
        • Weddings & Conferences
        • Athenaeum Hotel
        • Other Places To Stay
        • Private Rentals
        • Check Athenaeum Hotel Room Availability

  • Recreation
        • Chautauqua Health & Fitness Center
        • CHQ Trail
        • Golf Club
          • Golf Course
            • Membership Rates
            • Pro Shop
            • Scorecards
          • Events & Banquets
        • Golf Instruction
          • Adult Golf Clinics
          • Jr. Golf Clinics & Camps
          • Learning Center
          • Private Lessons
        • Golf Tournaments
          • Upcoming Events & Tournaments
          • Group Outings
          • NJCAA Golf Championship
  • Groups
        • Road Scholar
        • Book a Group Experience
        • Tour Chautauqua County
        • Chautauqua Travels
  • Festival Schools
        • School of Music
          • Conducting Fellowship
          • Instrumental Program
          • Piano Program
          • Opera Conservatory
        • Dance
        • Art
        • Theater
        • Chautauqua Music Camps
        • Alumni
  • Giving
        • Make a Donation
        • Membership Opportunities
        • Ways to Give
        • Foundation
        • Advancement
  • Buy Tickets
  • Give
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets

looking for something?

  • Schedule
  • Discover Chautauqua
  • Events
    • Weekly Themes
      • Week One 2023
      • Week Two 2023
      • Week Three 2023
      • Week Four 2023
      • Week Five 2023
      • Week Six 2023
      • Week Seven 2023
      • Week Eight 2023
      • Week Nine 2023
    • Event Calendar
    • All Events
    • Experience Planner
  • Lectures
    • Chautauqua Lecture Series
    • Interfaith Lecture Series
    • Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle
    • Other Lectures
  • Performing & Visual Arts
    • Entertainment and Concerts
    • Galleries
    • Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Classical Concerts
    • Chautauqua Chamber Music
      • Chautauqua Chamber Music: Guest Artist Series
      • Chautauqua Chamber Music: Resident Artist Series
    • Dance
  • Resident Programs
    • Chautauqua Theater Company
      • Our History
    • Chautauqua Opera Company
    • Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
      • Concerts & Events
      • CSO History
      • Support CSO
      • Musicians
      • Diversity Fellowship Program
      • CSO Openings
    • Literary Arts
      • Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
      • Chautauqua Writers’ Center
      • Writers’ Festival
      • The Chautauqua Prize
      • The Chautauqua Janus Prize
      • Youth
      • Community
      • Literary Journal
      • Poetry Makerspace
    • Chautauqua Visual Arts
    • Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative
  • Religion
    • Daily Worship
    • Sacred Music
    • Mystic Heart Interspiritual Meditation Program
    • Abrahamic Program for Young Adults
    • Denominations and Religious Organizations
    • Charter For Compassion
    • CHQ Dialogues
  • Classes at Chautauqua
  • Recreation
    • Chautauqua Health & Fitness Center
    • Sports Club
    • Swimming
    • Golf Club
      • Golf Course
      • Golf Instruction
      • Events & Banquets
      • Corporate Membership Packages
      • The Double Eagle Patio on the Green
      • Tournaments, Events and Outings
    • Tennis Center
    • Sailing
    • Youth Recreation
    • CHQ Trail
  • Youth & Family
    • Day Camps
      • Children’s School
      • Group One
      • Boys’ and Girls’ Club
      • Youth and Family Programs Covid-19 Protocols
    • Educational Experiences
      • Young Readers Program
      • Young Writers Institute
      • Classes
    • Youth Activities Center (YAC)
    • Youth Recreation
    • Family Scholarship Program
    • Babysitting
    • Chautauqua Youth and Family Programs Advisory Group
      • Advisory Group Final Report
      • Institution Response: 150 Forward and Youth and Family Programs
      • Institution Response: Status Updates on Advisory Group Recommendations
    • Youth & Family Events
Children cheering during the Battle of the Books event in the amphitheater

Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books gets Chautauqua County fifth-graders excited about reading. A lively academic competition, Battle of the Books improves reading comprehension, builds vocabulary, and teaches teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Teams of five students and one adult coach each read the same 12 pre-assigned books over five months. Selected in conjunction with Chautauqua Institution’s CLSC Young Readers Program, titles include a wide range of reading levels and subjects. Thanks to generous donors, all teams receive a set of books. In addition to reading the books, teams choose a team name then dress accordingly.

During the “battle,” a moderator asks approximately 50 trivia questions that relate to one of the following: a direct quote from one of the book characters; a statement about something that happens in the book; a passage taken directly from the book; details about an illustration or picture. Winning teams receive prizes.

2023 Book list
frequently asked questions
Coach handbook
historic book list

Battle Staff

Sara Toth
716.357.6376
stoth@chq.org

Karen Schiavone
716.357.6290
kschiavone@chq.org

Funded in part by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

 

https://vimeo.com/632008702

Important Dates

Info for Coaches

Info for Parents

Participant Forms

Important Dates

  • Online Registration: Oct. 28, 2022 – Nov. 23, 2022. SPACE IS LIMITED. Registration begins October 28 at 10 a.m. and will close on November 23 at 11:59 p.m.
  • 2023 Book list announced: Tuesday, November 8, 2022
  • Mandatory coach meetings: Two options at Turner Community Center at Chautauqua Institution – Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 at 6 p.m. OR Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 at 10 a.m.   Each team’s set of books will be distributed to the coaches at these meetings.
  • Last Day to Change Team Info & Permission Forms Due: Monday, March 13, 2023
  • Mandatory logistics meetings: Two options at the Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution – Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 6 p.m. OR Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6 p.m.
  • Battle of the Books Contest: Saturday, May 6, 2023 in the Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution at 2:00 p.m.

Info for Coaches

Coaching Responsibilities

The coach or a designated adult for the team must attend one of the mandatory coaches meetings AND one of the mandatory logistics meetings (see p. 2 of Coach Handbook).

A coach may serve as coach for only ONE team.

Basic responsibilities:

  • Act as communication link between Battle staff and team members and parents regarding all information and materials for Battle of the Books, including book and ticket distribution.
  • Since email is the primary method of communicating with coaches, please ensure the email address entered into the registration form is one that is regularly monitored.
  • When communicating with Battle staff, please use stoth@chq.org.
  • Notify Battle staff of any special needs of your team members by March 13, 2023.
  • Ensure that your team’s name has been confirmed by Battle staff in case multiple teams select the same name.
    • You may wish to develop a list of alternate names in case your team’s requested name has already been claimed.
    • The last day to make changes to team name and participating students is March 13, 2023.
  • Submit signed participation forms and signed photo release forms for themselves and each team member by March 13, 2023.
  • Read each of the books to assist teams with preparation.
  • Explain the answering and scoring procedures to your team (see p. 4 of Coach Handbook).
  • Make sure your team demonstrates good sportsmanlike behavior throughout the Battle. Be responsible, respectful and ready!
  • Ensure that your team members and their families understand the rules of the Battle and expectations on the day of the event.
  • Ensure that your team members and their families are aware of the Battle date and location.
  • Please remind students and parents to stay off of the floor/grid at the Battle event. Please do not walk across the mats.
  • Ensure your team has transportation to the Battle on the day of the event.

During the actual Battle, each coach will act as monitor for another team. You will be asked to:

  • Leave your packet of Battle supplies (answer sheets, pencils, etc.) with your original team.
  • Make sure that the team you are monitoring remains quiet during the reading of the questions.
  • Ensure that the team you are monitoring stops writing at the end of the 30-second time limit (whether or not their answer is complete).
  • Most importantly, remain focused on the team you are monitoring. Please remember that these students need your encouragement.

No cell phones, electronic devices, or other reading materials will be allowed on the floor by coaches or students.

Build team spirit:

  • Meet regularly.
  • Decorate team T-shirts or create other costumes.

 

Costumes:

  • Costumes must comply with all requirements listed in your school district’s student dress code, including but not limited to:
    • No gory costumes (blood, guts, skeletons, ghosts)
    • Costumes may not include toys that resemble weapons (guns, knives, swords, machetes, axes, blades, etc.)
  • If you are not allowed to wear it to school, you are not allowed to wear it to Battle of the Books.
  • To avoid tripping hazards, please refrain from using cumbersome props or decorations like feathers that easily detach from costumes. As a reminder, no roller blades, skateboards, cleats, high heels or other footwear that could damage a floor are permitted.

Signs:

  • Create a sign for your team to hold when marching in the parade. The purpose of the sign is to identify your team.
  • Book titles, authors, and/or covers may NOT be a part of the team’s costume or sign. When creating a sign, keep in mind that teams will be sitting in a small amount of space and posters will need to be stored under your mat. The sign should be no larger than a standard poster board, 22” x 28”.
  • It is recommended that you do not use 3-D items such as beads, feathers, etc. on your sign.

Prepare for the Battle:

  • Decide who will read each book. It will be to your team’s advantage to make sure at least two team members read each book. In the past, the most successful teams have had all team members read the books and then assigned “experts” for each book.
  • Decide how often you will meet to discuss the books.
  • Hold mock battles or “Jeopardy” style games based on the books.
  • Have students compose practice questions to quiz each other during the meetings. Please refer to the Types of Questions section (p. 11 of Coach Handbook). Remember questions on all parts of the books are valid.
  • Contact your school library to determine if other teams from your school are participating so you can practice together.

Encourage and reward students:

  • Offer praise and encouragement.
  • Serve snacks at your meetings.
  • Play a game before your meetings.
  • Have a party after the Battle.
  • Keep it fun and make happy memories.

Questions?

Please check the FAQs on the Battle of the Books website: battle.chq.org.
If your questions are not answered, please email stoth@chq.org.
Continue to check the FAQs page for updated information.

Info for Parents

  1. The Battle will be held on May 6, 2023 in the Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. The competition will begin at 2 p.m. and will last approximately three hours.
  2. If accompanied by their coach, students may check in at the Amphitheater starting at 12 p.m. All other students may begin checking in at 1 p.m. All team members must be checked in by 1:45 p.m. Any students arriving after that time will be disqualified.
  3. Signed participation forms and signed photo release forms are required for each coach and team member. They will be posted to battle.chq.org and must be returned by March 13, 2023. Coaches will be notified via email when forms are posted.
  4. Children not participating in the Battle must be accompanied at all times by an adult. Children are not permitted to roam the venue unattended.
  5. The Battle consists of four rounds of questions. There will be 5 to 10-minute breaks after rounds one and three, and a 15 to 20-minute intermission after round two.
  6. Appropriate footwear must be worn so the floor is not damaged. Roller blades, skateboards, cleats, high heels, etc. are not allowed. Similarly, to avoid tripping hazards, costumes with feathers and other easily detachable decorative elements are discouraged.
  7. Food and beverages:
    • Feed your child lunch before arriving at the Battle location. Small snack items will be available for purchase at the concessions stand.
    • No food or drinks are permitted in the Amphitheater, other than water. All will be confiscated.
  8. Your child should use the restroom before arriving, as bathroom space and time before and during the Battle are limited.
  9. No cell phones, other electronic devices, or books are permitted on the Battle floor.
  10. As the Battle date approaches, visit battle.chq.org for updated information.
  11. Scores will not be posted. Coaches will receive their team score approximately seven (7) business days after the event. All scores are final.
  12. Team and other event photos will be posted to and linked from the Chautauqua Institution Facebook page within two weeks after the Battle.

Participant Forms

Each coach and student member of the team must fill out the appropriate two-sided form posted below to participate in Battle of the Books. The forms must be returned to Battle staff by March 13, 2023. Forms will be made available to coaches after registration closes.

Save Your Trip

Fill out the form below to save your trip. You will receive a link to your saved list via email.

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Save Your Favorites

Fill out the form below to save your favorites. You will receive a link to your favorites list via email.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Hidden

Notice!

You have now entered the season. Some website content may differ depending on the current season we are in: Summer or Fall/Winter/Spring. You can toggle between the two season options at any time.

Okay

Subscribe to Chautauqua Institution’s email newsletter

  • About
  • Resources
  • Sustainability
  • Contact
  • Whistleblower Policy
  • Careers
  • Ethics Point
  • Privacy Policy
  • ADA Compliance
Chautauqua Institution
P.O. Box 28
One Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, N.Y. 14722

1.800.836.ARTS
  • Privacy Policy
  • ADA Compliance

© 2022 Chautauqua Institution. Chautauqua Institution is a non-profit organization, dependent upon your gifts to fulfill its mission. Gate tickets and other revenue cover only a portion of the cost of your Chautauqua experience.