Battle of the Books 2008-2009 Titles 

The Blue Ghost by, Marion Bauer Liz is staying in an old house in the woods of northern Minnesota when one night a

noise awakens her. It is someone calling her name! Liz discovers there is a blue ghost in her room but what does the ghost want from her?No Talking by, Andrew Clements

Dave’s 5th grade class is called “The Unshushables” because of their constant talking. When he reads that Gandhi didn’t talk for one day each week, he decides to try it out himself with a bet: two days of no talking, boys against girls. Whichever side talks less, wins!The Missing Manatee by, Cynthia DeFelice

After overhearing a fight between his parents, Skeet Waters takes off in his boat. While sailing through Florida he finds a manatee that has been shot. He spends his spring break looking for the killer and learning some life lessons.The Sloppy Copy Slipup by, DyAnne DiSalvo

Brian Higman, or “Big Hig”, doesn’t have the “sloppy copy” of his writing assignment ready to turn in. Brian tells Miss Fromme the story of his frantic weekend and ends up creating a verbal sloppy copy.Phineas L. MacGuire…Erupts!: The First Experiment by, Frances O’Roark Dowell

Fourth-grade science whiz Phineas L. MacGuire is forced to team up with the new boy in class on a science fair project, but the boy’s quirky personality causes Phineas to wonder if they have any chance of winning.Stumptown Kid by, Ron J. Findley and Carol Gorman

In a small Iowa town in 1952, eleven-year old Charlie Nebraska, whose father died in the Korean War, learns the meanings of both racism and heroism when he befriends a man who had played baseball in the Negro Leagues.The Thing about Georgie by, Lisa Graff

There are enough trials in the “tween” years to make 11 and 12 year olds crazy- school, friends, the first inklings of love, and discovering one’s strengths and weaknesses. But, no pain equals no gain because nobody escapes those years without learning some big lessons.The Homework Machine by, Dan Gutman

Four friends have a big secret: the homework machine. The machine, code named Belch, is doing their homework for them! The kids end up in a race against their own creation, where the loser could go to jail…or worse!Dexter the Tough by, Margaret Haddix

Dexter is the new kid at school who writes a story about how tough he is and how he’s gotten into a fight. Is any of his story true? Now, he has family problems, a nosey teacher, and a friend who’s oddly interested in floor wax.The Ghost’s Grave by, Peg Kehret

A dull summer turns chilling for Josh when he meets the ghost of a coal miner killed in a mine explosion. Willie has been waiting years for some kind soul to help him out. Josh agrees but when he digs in the old cemetery, he finds much more.Rules by, Cynthia Lord

Catherine’s brother, David, is autistic and their family life revolves around his needs. Catherine loves and cares for her brother but when a girl moves in next door, Catherine worries that David will ruin her new friendship.Roxie and the Hooligans by, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Roxie Warbler knows how to deal with everything except Helvetia’s Hooligans, the meanest band of bullies in school. When Roxie and the hooligans are stranded on a desert island, that is the hideout of a couple of criminals, they have to make it home, armed with only a little bit of teamwork.Clementine by, Sara Pennypacker

Clementine is a wild 3rd grader who keeps getting in trouble. At school she helps Margaret by cutting and coloring her hair. Clementine becomes convinced her parents are going to trade her in. Life is not easy in 3rd grade!The Stupendous Dodgeball Fiasco by, Janice Repka

Phillip comes from a circus family, but all he really wants is to be a regular kid. He winds up in a school called Hardingtown, where everyone is wild about dodgeball. Phillip must find a way to take on the Unofficial Dodgeball Capital of the World!Listen! by, Stephanie S. Tolan

For twelve year old Charley, recovering from a shattered leg is nowhere near as difficult as facing the loneliness of summer without her best friend. The summer alone means time to think about the mother she lost two years ago.