The Bob Hope Elementary Shisas team works through a question during the Reading Battle. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/Bob Hope Elementary School)
PACIFIC REGION, DoWEA Pacific – Students from across the Pacific Region put their literary knowledge and teamwork to the test during the 2026 DoWEA Pacific Elementary Reading Battle, a virtual academic competition that brought together upper‑elementary readers from South Korea, Guam, Mainland Japan, and Okinawa.
The event, held on April 10, 2026, challenged 4th and 5th grade students to demonstrate strong reading comprehension, recall, and collaboration as they answered 40 fast‑paced questions based on a shared reading list. In preparation for the competition, students read and studied a curated list of 10 books, using reading strategies, discussion, and teamwork to prepare for the competition. The Pacific Reading Battle reflects the goals of established Battle of the Books programs found in many states and school districts, emphasizing cooperative learning, critical thinking, active listening, and respectful academic competition while fostering a lifelong love of reading.
A Region‑Wide Literacy Challenge
This year’s competition featured teams from a broad cross‑section of DoWEA Pacific schools, highlighting the growing reach of the program:
South Korea: Humphreys West Elementary School, Humphreys Central Elementary School, Osan Elementary School, and Humphreys Middle School (5th grade)
Guam: Andersen Elementary School
Mainland Japan: Yokosuka Middle School (5th grade)
Okinawa: Bechtel Elementary School, EC Killin Elementary School, and Bob Hope Elementary School
Students from Humphreys West, Humphreys Central, and Humphreys Middle gather at Humphreys Middle School to compete together in the Reading Battle. (Photo by Linda Shin/Humphreys West Elementary School)
Another view of Humphreys West, Humphreys Central, and Humphreys Middle students assembled at Humphreys Middle School for the Reading Battle. (Photo by Linda Shin/Humphreys West Elementary School)
Participants from Humphreys West, Humphreys Central, and Humphreys Middle pose together before competition events begin. (Photo by Linda Shin/Humphreys West Elementary School)
The Humphreys West team stands ready to begin competition at the Reading Battle. (Photo by Jennifer Hwang/Humphreys West Elementary School)
Although the event was conducted via virtual video call, several schools gathered in shared spaces to compete together. Teams from EC Killin Elementary School, Bob Hope Elementary School, and Bechtel Elementary School competed live from the Bechtel Elementary School library, while Humphreys Central Elementary School and Humphreys West Elementary School gathered with the 5th‑grade team at Humphreys Middle School library. These in‑person hubs added to the excitement of the competition while maintaining strong regional virtual collaboration.
A Close Finish and Dramatic Tiebreaker
The Bob Hope Elementary team prepares to walk to Bechtel Elementary prior to the Reading Battle competition. (Photo by Jessica Houck/Bob Hope Elementary School)
Killin Elementary’s Gulping Geckos team confers during the competition. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/E.C. Killin Elementary School)
The Bob Hope Elementary Shisas team works through a question during the Reading Battle. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/Bob Hope Elementary School)
Members of the Bob Hope Elementary Bookworms team collaborate while determining an answer during competition play. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/Bob Hope Elementary School)
Killin Elementary’s Sticky Page Turners team collaborates during a Reading Battle round. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/E.C. Killin Elementary School)
Bechtel Elementary’s Book-Hounds team works together while answering questions. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/Bechtel Elementary School)
Bechtel Elementary’s Chapter Champs team competes during the Reading Battle event. (Photo by Kirk Thompson/Bechtel Elementary School)
The competition concluded with a tightly contested final round that showcased the depth of preparation and teamwork across the top‑scoring teams. One Bob Hope Elementary School team and one EC Killin Elementary School team finished the main rounds tied at 35 points, prompting a decisive five‑question tiebreaker round.
In a suspenseful finish, the Bob Hope ES team secured first place by one question, earning the championship title. EC Killin ES made a strong showing by placing two teams in the top three.
Growing a Regional Tradition
What began 5 years ago with just 3 elementary schools in South Korea has steadily grown into a region‑wide literacy event. This year, participation expanded to include 10 schools representing all three DoWEA Pacific regions and Guam, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting reading and academic collaboration across the Pacific.
Organizers hope that the excitement and energy of this year’s competition will be infectious, inspiring even greater participation in future years. The long‑term goal is to see 100 percent participation from all DoWEA Pacific elementary schools, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to take part in this dynamic celebration of reading and teamwork.
More Than a Competition
Beyond scores and rankings, the Pacific Reading Battle highlighted the power of reading as a shared experience. Throughout the event, students worked collaboratively under time pressure, applied reading strategies, and demonstrated strong sportsmanship and mutual respect.
“I know we didn’t win, but that was so fun! I’d want to do it again next year.” –Cain Diaz (Humphreys Central student)
“I had so much fun working with my teammates!” –Benjamin Laroche (YMS 5th grade student)
“Wait! Those look like middle school kids! Do we have to compete against middle schoolers!?!” –EC Killin students (when walking into the Bechtel Elementary library)
Through initiatives like the DoWEA Pacific Elementary Reading Battle, DoWEA Pacific schools continue to champion literacy, student achievement, and regional collaboration, empowering students to grow as confident readers, effective teammates, and enthusiastic lifelong learners.
