And now, my predictions for the Battle of the Books! So, let’s take a look at books, judges, and the rounds.

The thing about making predictions is it’s both about the books and the judges. I haven’t read all the books, true, but I’m not going to let that stop me. You can read about the judges at the SLJ BoB website.

Before I do, some quick dates:

The “undead poll,” where you can vote on a book to return to the final round even if it’s voted out, starts February 26 and ends March 9.

Round 1 is March 10 to 20.

Round 2 is March 21 to 26.

Round 3 is March 28 and 31.

The “return from the grave” books is announced April 1 (no fooling!)

Round 4, the final round, is April 2.

Over at the SLJ BoB, they’re taking predictions and doing a mock SLJ BoB, so click over and vote.

And now, my predictions!

Round 1

All the Truth That’s in Me v The Animal Book, Judge Vaunda Nelson. Having not read either one, I randomly picked The Animal Book.

Boxers & Saints v A Corner of White, Judge Yuyi Morales. Having read Boxer & Saints, that’s what I picked.

Doll Bones v Eleanor & Park, Judge Lauren Oliver. I read both of these! Doll Bones, because. I also think Eleanor & Park will be the “oh, I cannot believe it lost so early” book.

Far Far Away v Flora & Ulysses, Judge Sarah Mylinowski. Once again, I go with the book I read: Far Far Away.

Hokey Pokey v March Book One, Judge Tom Angleberger. Didn’t read either one, I picked March Book One.

Midwinterblood v P.S. Be Eleven, Judge Mac Barnett. While I read and love Midwinterblood, I think it isn’t for everyone. Plus, I realized I kept on picking based on what I’d read, so this time, I went with what I haven’t read – P.S. Be Eleven.

Rose Under Fire v The Thing About Luck, Judge Malinda Lo. Rose Under Fire because Lo writes young adult books.

True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp v What the Heart Knows, Judge Sheila Turnage. Having read True Blue, that’s my pick.

The tricky thing from here on out is that it’s all based on my predictions, so I can be really really right …. or horribly, embarrassingly wrong.

Round 2

The Animal Book v Boxers & Saints, Judge Tonya Bolden. I’m going with “pick something I read,” so Boxers & Saints.

Doll Bones v Far Far Away, Judge Rae Carson. I’ve read both; but this time, I’m going to lean towards Far Far Away.

March Book One v P.S. Be Eleven, Judge Joseph Bruchac. Having not read either one, I’ll go with P.S. Be Eleven.

Rose Under Fire v True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, Judge Katherine Marsh. Another choice between two books I read; and so I’m picking Rose.

Round 3

Boxers & Saints v Far Far Away, Judge Patrick Ness. I’m putting my money on Far Far Away.

P.S. Be Eleven v Rose Under Fire, Judge Robin LaFevers. I think Rose Under Fire will take this one.

Return from grave guess: Eleanor & Park. See! See what I did? I didn’t pick this earlier in part because I’m convinced it’ll be the book that returns.

Round 4

Far Far Away v Rose Under Fire v (return from grave) Eleanor & Park, Judge Jennifer Holm. And what will win here? I think Eleanor & Park.

What do you think?