Just in time for summer reading, the 2026-27 MCBA list has arrived.
With seven graphic novels, historical fiction, fantasy, novels in verse, nonfiction, and diverse stories, this list has something for every reader.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Battle of the Books Champion is crowned!
On February 26, the Battle of the Books school championship took place in the Barn
In a close contest, the Wildcard team of Maisie, Ade, Avo, and Starbuck held on to be crowned the winner.
The 6th grade team grabbed second place
4th grade came in third place
and 5th grade placed fourth
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Wildcard Winners
Eight teams from grades 4-6 participated in the Wildcard round this morning, for a chance to compete in the School Tournament on February 23.
Congratulations to Ade, Avo, Maisie, and Starbuck on their excellent performance, which has secured
them a seat in the final.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Teacher's Turn
A big part of the success of our MCBA program is the number of adults who participate each year. By reading and discussing these terrific books with students, they build a true community of readers.
And they take their trivia seriously!
Congratulations to Ms. Ahern, Ms. MacCallum, and Ms. Wetherby, who held onto their crown for another year in the teacher-parent tournament!
Sixth Grade's Turn
The sixth grade Battle of the Books tournament brought out some familiar faces, and former grade-level winners, along with first timers.
Congratulations to Charley, Lucas, Mio, and Jakey, for a well-played win! They move on to the school championship, while the other teams get a second chance in Thursday's Wildcard Round.
Grade 5 Winner!
In an action-packed round, the grade 5 winning team of Noelle, Luna, Michelle, and Adee rose up victorious!
Congratulations to all of our competitors!
Friday, February 6, 2026
Battle of the Books has begun
Thursday saw the first round of the Battle of the Books play out in the library. Four fourth-grade teams squared off in an exciting competition, displaying their knowledge of the 25 nominated books.
Congratulations to our Fourth Grade Champs: Lisle, Sage, Thomas, and Solomon! They move on to the School Tournament on February 23. Our other teams will have a second chance in the Wild Card round.
Champs!
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Kick-off is coming!
This year's 2026 MCBA program at Bement will officially Kick-off on Wednesday, November 12 at 8:10 a.m. in the Grace Bement Reading Room.
Students in grades 4-6 will learn about this year's 25 nominees and some of the fun events we have planned.
Get ready! The countdown is on!
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The 2026 List is Here!
Just in time for summer reading, the Massachusetts Children's Book Award 2025-2026 list of nominees has been released.
Summer is a great time to launch your MCBA journey!
Be sure to check out the extensive collection available on Sora.
*Asterisks indicate audiobooks
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Friday, February 28, 2025
And our 2025 MCBA winner is....
Our votes will be submitted to the state, and the official winner will be announced in April.
The Selection Committee
Again this year, Bement students had the honor of selecting a book that will appear on next year's MCBA list.
We had two stellar titles to choose from, Simon Sort of Says, by Erin Bow and The Attack of the Black Rectagles by Amy Sarig King. Both winners!
After hearing summaries of the books, students selected Simon Sort of Says! A Newbery and Schneider Family Book Award Honoree in 2024, this is a quirky read that combines a profound tragedy with lots of humor. It was one of my favorite middle grade novels of the past year.
Stories in Action 2025
We had a blast celebrating reading and great books at this year's Stories in Action on February 27.
From creating superheroes to surviving in the wild, our readers enjoyed activities and snacks themed to the nominated books.
Frenchie's Blueberry Pies
Foley Art from Nikhil Out Loud
Voting for our favorite book
Helping Lety write pet profiles
Adding sound effects to Tom & Jerry
Creating a superhero
Pets up for adoption
The Best of Iggy-- desk racing
Enjoying a cheese snack in the mouse nest
Hoops!
The School BOTB Tournament
On Monday, we welcomed the top four teams to the Barn for the School Battlel of the Books Tournament. It was a fast-paced, tight contest as all of our readers displayed their knowledge. The lower school was a rapt audience, taking in the action.
And the winner is.....
The Grade 6 team of Astrid, Anna, Matthew, August, and Henry!This marks a repeat win for this elite group of book trivia experts!
Congratulations to all of our participants in this year's Battle of the Books Tournaments.
The Wildcard and Teacher Tournaments
We had 10 teams competing in the Wildcard round for a second chance to make it into the school tournament. The Grade 6 team of Eva, Kacey, Karis, Sophia prevailed!
In the Teacher/Parent tournament, we three highly qualified teams going head to head.
For a second year in a row, the team of Ms. Ahern, Ms. Demerath, Ms. MacCallum, and Ms Wetherby came out on top! Congratulations!
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Grade-level Champs
Grade Four: Lane, Gus, Philip, and Stef
Grade Six: Henry, August, Astrid, Anna
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