This story was originally posted on May 12, 2025.

Book-loving students from across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD gathered at the Jim F. Chadwell Administration Building over the past two weeks to compete in the district’s second annual Book Battle competition. The event showcased the hard work and literary knowledge of students who earned their place at the district level by winning their campus competitions.

The Highland Hawks of Knowledge from Highland Middle School took the top spot in the middle school battle, while The Book Worms from Willow Creek Elementary School defended their title, winning the elementary-level battle for the second year in a row.

Each team at the district competition represented their school, bringing together students who had spent months reading from a common list of books, practicing teamwork and developing strategies for answering challenging questions.

At the elementary level, the winning Willow Creek team of Autumn Morrison, Autumn Link, Hadley Suggs and Isabelle Winter, credited their victory to preparation, trust and friendship.

“It was a lot of pressure and nerves and excitement,” said Winter. “There was a lot of trust. If someone wasn’t sure about an answer, we’d say, ‘Do you trust me?’ and we’d go with it.”

“We’re really good friends, and that’s why we’ve had success,” added Morrison. “You have to have confidence in yourself and your teammates.”

Link emphasized the importance of reading every book.

“It’s easier when we all read all the books so we can back each other up with each answer,” she said.

The students said they’ll take the lessons they’ve learned about teamwork and preparation with them to the middle school battle next year.

The second-place team from Hatley Elementary collectively described the competition as intense, but fun.

“It was chaotic,” said Zoe Manzo with a laugh.

“We were stressed, and I even fell off my chair,” added Lailinn Harrington. “Each person read three books. We talked about our strategy and the answers, and we prayed.”

Despite the nerves, their preparation paid off. 

“We used process of elimination,” said Manzo. “If someone said a different answer, we’d talk about why it was different.”

Savi Alivio shared a piece of lighthearted advice for her success: “I had my chewy bar.”

Her more serious advice? “Listen to all of your team’s suggestions. Don’t argue. Work together.”

The district-level EMS ISD Book Battle was launched in 2024 to promote reading, teamwork and critical thinking. The event has already become a favorite tradition for many students and staff. Learn more about the Book Battle and see highlights from last year’s event at emsisd.com/bookbattle24.