Kids’ literature quiz done by the book
Nelson youth’s book knowledge is being put to the test during the annual Kids’ Lit Quiz tomorrow.
More than 100 students, in teams of four, from 15 schools in the Nelson and Marlborough regions will compete for one place in the national finals in Wellington on May 28.
Among the schools competing are Waimea Intermediate, Broadgreen Intermediate, Golden Bay Highschool, Nelson Intermediate, Nelson College and Richmond School.
The quiz is an annual international literature quiz for students aged 10 to 13, with the goal of encouraging children to read more.
Quizmaster Wayne Mills started the competition 27 years ago after observing a lack of recognition for accomplished readers.
It’s now held in 11 countries including Australia, Singapore and the USA.
Last year about 120 year 6 to year 8 students were getting quizzed while sitting at small tables together in a large hall in Nelson Intermediate, which had been hosting the quiz for the past nine years. Some teams dressed up, while others wore everyday clothes or their school uniforms.
In total more than 2000 students will take part in the event this year in 15 heats across the country.
The school that wins the national finals goes to Canada in June to compete at the World Finals.
The event is unique in the English-speaking world, Mills said.
‘‘I call it the ‘‘sport of reading’’, as it has a competitive edge and provides voracious readers with a chance to shine.
‘‘The quiz is continuing to grow in New Zealand and worldwide, proving demand for a literary event that challenges and motivates readers to expand their knowledge genres.’’
There is no prescribed reading list for the students, Mills said, they just have to read as widely as they can, anticipating which books will be topics for questions.
‘‘We’re increasing the reading mileage of these kids. of authors and
‘‘They can’t just read Harry Potter; they need to read everything from the classics, to the latest medal-winning books, to nursery rhymes.
The Kids’ Lit Quiz Nelson and Marlborough heat takes place at Nelson Intermediate School tomorrow from 10am to 1pm.