École Martha Currie wins Surrey Schools book battle

École Martha Currie Elementary has reclaimed the trophy in Surrey Schools’ third annual Book of the Year Battle, a districtwide literacy competition for intermediate elementary students in Surrey and White Rock.

The school’s six Grade 6 and 7 students competed on their knowledge of the 10 candidates for the 2026 Surrey Book Awards. George Greenaway Elementary won the event last year.

Contestants were tested on plot points, characters and distinctive details in books including Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber, We Are Big Time by Hena Khan and Lion Dancers by Cai Tse, the 2026 Book of the Year winner.

Under the competition rules, students cannot receive preparation help from teachers or teacher-librarians. Teacher-librarian Dil McDonough said the team prepared independently and credited its commitment, teamwork and enthusiasm for reading.

McDonough also thanked teacher-librarians from across the district who formed the committee that organized the competition.