Dressed as everything from historical figures to animals, sixth-through-eighth-graders from Oxford Middle School tested their book knowledge last week in the Battle of the Books.

A group of OMS sixth graders emerged from the competition as winners.

Calling themselves “Fantastic Books and Where to Read Them,” the winning team consisted of Dale Schmalenberg, Michael Duong, Charlie Fletcher, Jackson Brandt and Drake Krawczyk. The team scored 118 out of a possible 120 points.

Dressed as characters from the books, the same team also received the “Best Costumes” award that night.

Over 30 students, grouped into seven teams, participated in the competition which was organized by the Oxford Public Library and Oxford Community Schools.

Following the near-two-month period of preparation, the boys said they were excited to come out on top. “I feel proud of our team. proud because we’ve worked so hard to get these trophies,” said Duong.

Students formed their teams in early March and have been preparing for the competition ever since. Many teams would meet weekly to discuss and quiz each other over various aspects of their books.

Students each read the same five books, which included popular teen fiction and non-fiction books, before testing their literary knowledge in the rousing competition.

Books read by the students this year were “A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park, “Bomb” by Steve Sheinkin, “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliet, “Flipped” by Wendelin Van Draanen and “Silverwing” by Kenneth Oppel.

Accumulating 115 points, “The Feathered Goats,” consisting of Claire Mojek and Sarah Mojek came in second place.

Coming in third place was “The Titans of Text,” which was made up by Kaylee Feiner, Macey Strevel, Ryder Earles, and Evan Eber. The team earned 110 points throughout the competition.