Battle of the Books Quiz Center Study Sessions

Aru Shah and the End of Time – Book Summary & Mythology Explained

Ever lit a cursed lamp just to impress your classmates? Aru Shah did—and it accidentally unleashed an ancient demon and froze time. In this video, we dive into Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, the thrilling first book in the Pandava series. We’ll walk through the exciting plot, introduce key characters (hello, talking pigeon sidekick!), and explore the rich Hindu mythology that shapes Aru’s epic journey. This fun, fast-paced adventure blends fantasy, humor, and heart—perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and readers looking for a fearless heroine.
To really know the book thoroughly, be sure to read it!
You can also find a 487-question quiz that includes page numbers, which come in handy for challenges, on the Battle of the Books Quiz Center website at www.bobqc.net 

Surviving Hatchet – A Deep Dive into Gary Paulsen’s Classic

Stranded in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet, 13-year-old Brian Robeson must learn to survive alone after a plane crash changes his life forever. In this episode, we break down Hatchet by Gary Paulsen—a gripping story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery. Join us as we explore Brian’s transformation, the book’s powerful themes, and the real-life inspirations behind this middle grade classic. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just love survival stories, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take on the wild.

Big Brother, Thoughtcrime, and the Power of Truth – Unpacking 1984

What happens when the government controls everything—even your thoughts? In this episode, we dive into 1984 by George Orwell, a chilling dystopian novel that still feels shockingly relevant today. We’ll explore the world of Oceania, dissect themes like surveillance, propaganda, and freedom, and ask why Orwell’s vision continues to resonate decades later. Whether you’re reading 1984 for class or revisiting it as an adult, this episode will open your eyes to the power—and danger—of controlling truth.
1984 by George Orwell is one of the titles chosen for the 2026 America's Battle of the Books high school level. The book was published in 1949, but is eerily relevant to the present day. You can see a video version on my YouTube channel @BOBQC 

Starfish by Lisa Fipps - Study Session

This podcast discusses the middle grades book, Starfish by Lisa Fipps. It includes SPOILERS -- this is not a book review or a simple summary. It includes details to help readers better understand and retain concepts from the book.
A quiz with 292 questions & answers with page numbers for Starfish can be found on the Battle of the Books Quiz Center website: www.obob.me

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - Battle of the Books Quiz Center Study Session #2

Summary and discussion of the book, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. It contains spoilers because it is intended to be used as a study tool to increase retention and comprehension of the book. 
You can see the video with illustrations here: https://youtu.be/QiEvGEL7yD4?si=7dXJEmjx1og828P- 

The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart - Battle of the Books Quiz Center Study Session #1

This is the first of an ongoing series of discussions and summarizations about books for elementary, middle school, and high school students. 
The podcast discusses details from the beginning through the end of the book, helping to increase comprehension and retention of the content, making it a valuable study tool for Battle of the Books, Reading Bowls, Reading Olympics, and other academic competitions as well as Literature Circles and Book Clubs.