Students in several fifth grade classes at Mars Area Centennial School tested their knowledge of various fantasy novels as part of an annual “Battle of the Books” reading competition, held May 18.

The winning team was the “Over Achievers,” made up of fifth-graders Liv Adams, Adrian Heinemann, Matthew Klug, Owen McEvilly and Avery Polito (team leader).  

As part of the competition, teams of students were asked to answer a series of questions about several books including “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau, “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman, “Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins, “Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks, “Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark” by Ridley Pearson, and “Witch & Wizard” by James Patterson.

Mars Planet Foundation provided a grant to purchase additional books for this year’s program through Bound to Stay Bound Books. The funding will also be used to add “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle to next year’s book list.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.