The group is studying Children of the Rush (book one) by James Russell.
Each week they answer questions from chapters they have completed.
William said they also had a "take your pick" option of different exercises they could tackle.
"You can make a diorama ... you can film a news report ... you can draw a wanted poster."
Organising committee member and St Leonards kaiako (teacher) Alice Keirle said about 130 pupils from 15 schools across Otago will compete in the event.
To get ready, teams of four from years 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 have been reading titles by New Zealand writers James Russell and Stacey Greig, alongside local novelist Swapna Haddow.
The competition includes answering questions about the texts, spelling, vocabulary, word puzzles and a collaborative creative writing task.
The aim was to make this a regular event, Mrs Keirle said.
The contest takes place at Tahuna Normal Intermediate School next Thursday, June 25.
