UBC: Ultimate Book Challenge 2026-2027

What is it?

UBC (formerly Battle of the Books) is a reading competition designed to improve reading and comprehension while also building enthusiasm for reading. Students compete individually and in teams to show their knowledge of 8 pre-selected books. The UBC books are a mixture of current Bluebonnet books and former Bluebonnet books.

 

Who can compete?

Students in 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade are eligible for the competition. Students must turn in their signed permission forms by the deadline (TBA).

 

When does it start?

Students will be given an introduction to the competition near the beginning of the school year. Regular UBC practices will be announced in late September, and will begin in October. 

 

How will teams be formed?

In November, all participants who have read AT LEAST FOUR UBC books will take a quiz over the ALL the books. This is to give them exposure to the type of questions that they will see in the competition and allow them to make a decision of whether they are committed to continue reading and become a team member. Students who choose to continue will be placed on a UBC team. Teams will be made up of 6 students (multi and single grade level teams). 

 

When is the school-wide battle?

In January, the student UBC teams at Beck will compete against each other to determine our Beck Champion UBC Team.

 

When is the district championship?

February date TBD

UBC Books this Year

Book Title	Author
DogTown	Katherine Applegate
Invisible	Chistina Diaz
Billy Miller Makes a wish	Kevin Henkes
The Misfits	Lisa Yee
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic	Laura Tarshis
Mixed-up	Kami Garcia
City Spies	James Ponti
Area 51 Files	Julie Buxbaum
New Dragon City	Mari Mancusi