It’s story time with a twist! The City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services (LIS) is turning up the excitement with its annual school reading competitions, happening at Emmarentia Dam on 21 and 22 October 2025.
The friendly face-off features two crowd favourites — the Story Skirmish for Grades 4 and 5 learners (ages 9 to 11), and the Battle of the Books for Grades 6 and 7 (ages 12 to 13). These much-loved contests test how well young readers know their books — and how quick they are on the buzzer!
Last year’s champions, Mikateka Primary (Story Skirmish) and Malvern Primary (Battle of the Books), set the bar high, but this year’s finalists are ready to give them a run for their money.
Story Skirmish finalists: Elsie Ngidi Primary, Malvern Primary, Mikateka Primary, and Moses Kotane Primary.
Battle of the Books finalists: Forest Primary, GR Harris Primary, Mikateka Primary, and Tumang Primary.
Each team of six to eight learners has read up to 15 specially selected titles, handpicked by Joburg librarians to include everything from fantasy and mystery to real-life adventure.
Beyond the fun and competition, these events are all about building confidence, comprehension, and a lifelong love for reading. Because when children open a book, they don’t just read — they explore, imagine, and grow.
So, cheer on your favourite team as Joburg’s brightest young readers battle it out for the crown of Book Champions of 2025!
Written by Ayanda Radebe