Hannibal students recently put their reading skills and recollection to the test during the annual Battle of the Books competition.

The nationally recognized literacy program challenges students to read a select list of books and compete in quiz-style matches that test their knowledge of titles, authors and story details. The program not only strengthens reading comprehension, but also promotes collaboration, critical thinking and school pride.

Two teams from Dennis M. Kenney Middle School and one team from Fairley Elementary School advanced to the countywide competition held at SUNY Oswego. Maya Minor, Cadence Babb, Johnathan Fremouw and Mason Babbitt represented Hannibal in the 7^th/8^th grade level; Maisy Tibebu, Paisley Sweeting and Jace Rockwood participated in the 5^th/6^th grade competition; and Stella Forsythe, Luna Spanfelner, Aubriella Maynes and Zoey Spaulding served as the Fairley team in the 3^rd/4^th grade battle.

“We are so proud of everyone who participated,” said Hannibal Central School District’s Battle of the Books coordinators. “Reading that many books and being tasked with recalling specific details is not easy. These students did a wonderful job.”