(View this press release in PDF format)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2026

New Mexico Battle of the Books Announces its Annual Statewide Competition on April 18

Three Regional Battles Bring Quiz Bowl Format to Nearly 400 Students Across the State

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — New Mexico Battle of the Books, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to fostering literacy and a love of reading, announces its annual statewide reading competition on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The event will be held simultaneously at three locations across New Mexico to make participation accessible to students statewide.

The competition brings together approximately 380 students in grades 4-8 from public schools, private schools, homeschools, libraries, and community organizations. Participants spend the school year reading from carefully curated lists of 20 high-quality books, then test their knowledge in an exciting quiz bowl-style format.

Students compete in teams of 1-8 members, answering questions in four exciting rounds. While schools register as groups, students are placed on mixed teams with participants from across the state, fostering new friendships and a sense of statewide community.

The 2026 State Battle will take place at three regional locations:

Central Battle: Cleveland Middle School, Albuquerque

Southern Battle: Goddard High School, Roswell

Northwest Battle: Red Rock Elementary School, Gallup

The program offers separate reading lists and competitions for two grade divisions: Elementary (grades 4-5) and Middle School (grades 7-8), with 6th graders able to compete in either division. Students must read at least 10 books from their level's official list to compete.

New Mexico Battle of the Books is managed entirely by volunteers through a dedicated steering committee. Registration for the 2026 State Battle opens in early March. Schools, libraries, homeschool groups, and organizations interested in participating can find more information and reading lists at nmbattleofthebooks.org.

For more information, contact:

Central Battle: Liz Bishop, liz.bishop@aps.edu

Southern Battle: Tammy Roe, troe@risd.k12.nm.us

Northwest Battle: Phil Neilson, pneilson@gallupnm.gov

About New Mexico Battle of the Books

New Mexico Battle of the Books is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that promotes literacy and a love of reading among students in grades 4-8. Through its annual statewide reading competition, the program encourages students to explore high-quality literature, develop critical reading skills, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts across New Mexico. For more information, visit nmbattleofthebooks.org.

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