Feedback, finally!

I finally got to the stack of feedback forms and wanted to summarize some of the things people mentioned about the battle.

Suggestions for next year:

• Each parent adds to the list - 2 to 3 books per family (we did ask for suggestions at the beginning, but not everyone took advantage of the opportunity - would love more input next year!)  Each family could be responsible for creating questions for the ones they suggest.
• Have teams steal questions (this was hard to do with our odd number of teams.  Maybe next year we can strive to have even numbers)
• Teams should meet more to practice for battle
• Less books (10-15 instead of 20) 
• Have junior (Grades 1-3 ish) and senior (grades 4-8 ish)
• Shorten time period and/or reduce list so doesn't interfere with school curriculum
• Have adults write questions not kids

I have heard from a few folks who want to meet and firm up a plan this summer before next fall.  If you haven't let me know you are interested in helping out, let me know and I will include you in our planning.

Here are some books that people have mentioned including on a list for next year (if you have other ideas, send them to me and I will keep a master list).  These are just ideas - we will make our list with next year's participants.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Holes by Louis Sachar OR There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Borrowers
Harriet the Spy
Pippi Longstocking
When You Reach Me
Something Gordon Korman - maybe Schooled?  or No More Dead Dogs
The Mysterious Benedict Society
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Caddie Woodlawn
My Side of the Mountain
Half Magic by Edward Eager
The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett

For younger kids
The Hundred Dresses
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Miss Rumphius



Here's an organization where you can buy book lists http://www.battleofthebooks.org/book-list/