Sno-Isle Libraries’ 2019 Third Grade Reading Challenge events are underway.

Officially called “The Sno-Isle Libraries Mega-Fun, Biblio-Trivia, Rockem-Sockem Third-Grade Reading Challenge,” the 2019 version of the literary trivia program involves third-graders at 51 elementary schools in 13 school districts across Snohomish and Island counties. In 2018, more than 1,300 students participated.

Teams of 6-8 students start in the fall reading six books chosen by Sno-Isle Libraries staff members for the challenge. The teams then test their knowledge in a quiz-bowl style game. The challenges started with in-school events and top scoring teams from each school go on to regional semifinal events. Those events are taking place now and the top teams from the regionals advance to the finals set for March 25 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

At the 2018 finals, the Rockin’ Raccoons from Stanwood Elementary came out on top.

Third-graders are the focus of the challenge because research shows that reading ability in third grade can be a tipping point for later academic and life success. Students not reading at grade level are less likely to finish high school which may have consequences later in life.

The reading challenge is sponsored by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

Semifinal and final events schedule:

• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Semi-Final 1- Meadowdale High School, Lynnwood
  Wednesday, March 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Semi-Final 2 — Meadowdale High School, Lynnwood
  Tuesday, March 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Semi-Final — Byrnes Performing Arts Center, Arlington
  Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Semi-Final — Mariner High School, Everett
  Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Semi-Final — Glacier Peak High School, Snohomish
  Thursday, March 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Third Grade Reading Challenge: Final Event, Edmonds Center for the Arts
  Monday, March 25, 6:30-8 p.m.