Battle of the Books challenges students

Lincoln students in 3rd-8th grade competed in the Montana Battle of the Books on May 7.

Battle of the Books is made up of three teams of three students each, with one alternate. Beginning in the fall, students on each team read 12 different books leading up to the spring competition. At the competition, students answer questions based on the books, but the questions don't always have obvious answers, so students work hard to read for detail.

"It's kind of a funny thing when it comes to preparing for it because some of the questions are so bizarre," said Lincoln Schools secretary Danielle Barnett, who coached the upper level teams at the competition. 

Unfortunately, none of the teams placed in the top three, but the 8th grade students took fifth place with 88 points, just eight points behind the 2nd-4th place teams, who each had 96 points. Lincoln students were leading at the halfway mark without having missed a single question. 

The 3rd and 4th grade team was Jack Longson, Brennen McPhie, Barrett Orth, and Preslie Vogl and was coached by 3rd grade teacher Julianne Fitzgerald. Elijah Barnett, Maddi Davis, Madison Fallis, and Asa Lattin participated as the 5th and 6th grade team and were coached by 6th grade teacher Katie (Spencer) Williams. The 7th and 8th grade team was Noah Barnett, Paige Gilbert, Tahvo Lattin, and Delia Tolan and was coached by librarian and 1st grade teacher Joanie Templeton.