Martha Currie Elementary wins 3rd annual Surrey Schools ‘Book of the Year Battle’
Published 1:30 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Martha Currie Elementary School is back in the winner’s circle.
After winning the inaugural Surrey Schools “Book of the Year Battle” in 2024, the school has once again captured the title in 2026.
The district’s third annual literacy contest showcased a battle between intermediate students from schools across Surrey and White Rock. The kids tested their knowledge of the 10 Book of the Year candidates from the 2026 book awards.
It’s been all in the family in Cloverdale for the first three years of the contest as George Greenaway Elementary took the top spot in the second annual event in 2025.
“We are thrilled to have reclaimed it this year,” said Dil McDonough, a teacher-librarian at the school. “Our team was made up of six Grade 6 and 7 students who demonstrated exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for reading.”
McDonough said the kids’ success is a “testament to their dedication, teamwork, and genuine love of reading.”
The Grade 6 and 7 kids had the task of remembering plot points, characters, and unique details from books such as: Lost at Windy River by Tina Rathberger, We Are Big Time by Hena Khan and the 2026 winner, Lion Dancers by Cai Tse.
As part of the rules of the contest, students do not get any help from teachers.
According to the August press release from Surrey Schools, students earn the accolades on their own, “independently reading, studying, and preparing for this year’s contest.”
McDonough said the contest wouldn’t happen without the work of teacher-librarians.
“Their efforts made this year’s competition possible, and we are grateful for their commitment to foster a culture of reading in our schools.”
For more info on the contest, or to find a list of nominees for 2026 Book of the Year, visit surreyschools.ca.