Canyons Book Blitz is an engaging, district-wide middle school reading competition that inspires students to read broadly and think critically. Designed by school librarians to celebrate a shared love of reading, the extended learning opportunity helps students develop lasting reading habits while promoting intellectual, personal, and emotional growth and building teamwork and a sense of community. Participation is optional and open to all interested students, grades 6–8, in Canyons middle schools.
Coached by their teacher-librarians, teams of no more than five students collaborate throughout the school year to read and study a curated list of twenty books. The selected titles vary in genre, reading level, and theme, offering a range of perspectives, characters, and authors. The Book Blitz season culminates in high-energy, Jeopardy-style competitions where teams demonstrate their knowledge of the books. Each school hosts a school-based competition, and the top two teams advance to a district-level championship to compete against the winning teams from other Canyons middle schools.
Book Blitz is vertically aligned with Book Blitz Jr., the district’s popular elementary reading competition. The goal of both programs is to cultivate and celebrate a love of reading through high-interest, high-quality literature and collaborative, team-based learning experiences.
After three competitive rounds, the championship match included: “Team Peeta” from Eastmont; “We <3 Dictionaries” from Butler; and “All the Books” from Indian Hills. The competition was fierce with Eastmont capturing First Place with Butler and Indian Hills tying for Second Place. The individual competition for students who had read all 20 titles was won by Olivia Strong (Butler Middle) with Second Place going to Marla Hansen (Union Middle). Tied for third were Vivian Lee and Phoebe Fullmer (both from Indian Hills).
Certified Canyons middle school teacher librarians curated the final 2025-2026 Book Blitz book list. Books that appeal to students in grades 6-8 (ages 11-14) with a range of interests and maturity levels were read and selected. Not every book is the right fit for every student. Parents are encouraged to research the titles and communicate with their children regarding their reading choices.
The following criteria will be considered in determining the final lists:
Book Blitz Title Challenge and Reconsideration Statement
A parent or legal guardian of a student participating in Book Blitz has the right to formally challenge a title on the Book Blitz competition list for age appropriateness for middle school students. (See Canyons School District Policy 600.06) If a formal challenge to a Book Blitz title is submitted, the district’s established process for reconsidering library materials will be followed. In accordance with the district’s policy, the challenged title will remain available in school libraries and on the Book Blitz competition list during the reconsideration process. If, upon review, the book is determined to not be age-appropriate under Policy 600.06 and is removed from the school’s library collection, it will also be removed from the Book Blitz competition list.
For more information, please refer to Canyons District Policy 600.06.
9361 S. 300 East
Sandy, Utah 84070
801-826-5000
communications@canyonsdistrict.org
Canyons School District is committed to making this website compliant with the ADA. At this time, we recognize that not all areas of this website may be ADA compliant. We are currently in the process of redesigning and creating new website content to be compliant with the W3C Level Two guidelines. If you are experiencing issues with this website, please contact us here communications@canyonsdistrict.org
If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added: “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!
