What's the name of the Wimpy Kid's spoiled little brother? Where in Greece did the gods reside? What was the name of Bilbo's home?

These are just a sample of the questions the region's expert readers can expect to be asked at the Bay of Plenty Kids' Lit Quiz heat taking place at Tauranga Intermediate School on Wednesday.

More than 80 students from 10 schools will compete for one place in the national final in Wellington on May 28, where one team will book their spot in the World Final taking place in Canada this June.

Founded in New Zealand 27 years ago by quizmaster and former University of Auckland Faculty of Education senior lecturer Wayne Mills, the KLQ is an annual international literature quiz for students aged 10-13 years which aims to encouraging children to read more and widely.

The quiz is now held in 11 counties including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA. This year More than 2000 New Zealand students in teams of four will compete in 15 heats held across the country.

Wayne says the event is unique in the English-speaking world, and the Bay heat is an opportunity for avid readers in the region to receive recognition.

'I call it the ‘sport of reading', as it has a competitive edge and provides voracious readers with a chance to shine.

'The quiz is continuing to grow in New Zealand and worldwide, proving demand for a literary event that challenges and motivates readers to expand their knowledge of authors and genres.”

There are no prescribed reading lists or authors – competitors must simply read as widely as they can, anticipating which books will be topics for questions.

If organisers gave them a book list, 'it would be a test in disguise,” says Wayne.

'We're increasing the reading mileage of these kids. They can't just read Harry Potter; they need to read everything from the classics, to the latest medal-winning books, to nursery rhymes. The books are all well-known and many have won national book awards.

'This competition recognises and rewards wide reading of all the wonderful, brilliant books that are out there. That's what makes the Kids' Lit Quiz so successful.”

Wayne was inspired to start the event after observing a lack of recognition for accomplished readers. The event is now a highlight on the calendar for many children, who enjoy the competition and camaraderie it provides.

'It brings together like-minded kids from all over New Zealand and all over the world, and gives them a life-changing experience.”

Teachers interested in entering a team in next year's competition can find out more at kidslitquiz.com

The Kids' Lit Quiz Bay of Plenty heat, takes place at Tauranga Intermediate School on Wednesday, April 12, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.