Despite reports to the contrary, students across Cobb are beginning to prepare for the 2024 Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (HRRB), which kicks off in January and is available to students in grades 4-12 across the state. Regional competitions will follow in February, and state finals are in March. 

Last year, the 48 Cobb teams that competed included 28 elementary teams, 13 middle school teams, and seven high school teams. 

The reading competition dates back to 1986 and, at the elementary level, features competitors who read ten books selected for Grades 4-5 that are nominees for the 2023-24 Georgia Children’s Book Award (GCBA). 

Middle School students read ten books selected for grades 6-8 that are also nominees for the 2023-24 GCBA. High school students follow a similar model. 

The student competitors may, but are not required, to read all books on the list for their level. 

The annual HRRB pits teams from participating Cobb Schools to face each other in a competitive game format. In addition to local school competitions, the Georgia HRRB is divided into regions across the state. 

Participating Cobb students use the opportunity to share their love of reading. They often prepare for the competition by gathering at least once a week to discuss the books and practice questions related to the books they are reading.