Books chosen for the Oregon Battle of the Books list are selected keeping in mind the following criteria:

Number of titles:

16 titles per division

Grade level/reading level

Balanced grade/reading level

Interest:

A variety of subject areas, plots, settings, and styles

Balanced interest for boys/girls and wide range of maturity levels within divisions

Chosen from a variety of genres: realistic fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, multicultural, and Oregon representation

Quality of the books:

Select high quality, well-reviewed, age-appropriate titles.

Award winners such as the Newbery, Oregon Readers Choice, etc., will be considered

Books on previous lists:

Titles may have been used as OBOB titles previously

Titles must not be repeated within at least four years of being on the list

Availability of titles:

Books should be currently available in paperback format whenever possible

Intellectual freedom:

In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, titles that otherwise meet the selection criteria will not be excluded:

"because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation;" or

"because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval;" or

"because of actual or suspected parental objections;" or

"in an effort to avoid controversy with parents."