James Patterson Launches Winter Book Bucks to Foster Reading Over School Break

Bestselling author James Patterson, who has been a strong advocate of both children’s literacy and independent bookstores, has announced a new addition to his successful Book Bucks program: the First Annual Winter Book Bucks. Parents who sign up at JamesPatterson.com/winter-book-bucks and pledge that their children will read two books during winter break will be entering them to win one of 50 $100 book shopping sprees at their local IndieBound-affiliated bookstore. Parents can submit an online entry form between December 18, 2013, and January 13, 2014. The 50 sweepstakes winners will be announced in early February 2014.

“My Winter Book Bucks program reminds parents to get their kids reading during the holiday break and encourages families to shop at their local independent bookstores,” said Patterson. “I can’t think of two more important missions this holiday season.”

The Winter Book Bucks program is the third Book Bucks program sponsored by Patterson. His College Book Bucks program began in 2010, and a Summer Book Bucks program was added in 2013. The College Book Bucks essay competition runs from February to May. High school seniors are asked to respond to the prompt: “How has your favorite book inspired you toward what you’d like to do in life?”

The Summer Book Bucks program, similar to the Winter Book Bucks program, asks parents to pledge that their kids will read four books during their summer break. The Summer Book Bucks program runs from June to August.  In addition to his Book Bucks programs, Patterson has pledged to give one million dollars to independent bookstores around the country in the next year. He will also continue his support of bookstores, booksellers, librarians, and schools through scholarships and donations.