James Patterson Names Winners of “Book Dollars for Scholars”

Fifty-six high school students have been named winners of book gift certificates in the inaugural year of bestselling author James Patterson’s “Book Dollars for Scholars” program. Eight high school seniors were awarded first prizes worth $5,000 each; another eight will each receive second prizes worth $2,500 in book gift certificates; and 40 more will each receive third prizes of $250 in book gift certificates. Winners will choose an IndieBound-affiliated bookstore in their local area to redeem the prize.

To compete for Book Dollars for Scholars, college-bound seniors were asked to write a short essay on how their favorite book directed them toward a future career path.

“We have some very talented kids who have earned a nice scholarship,” said Patterson. “My hope is that they will use this money to surround themselves in books as they enter college: they can choose all their textbooks, and also be able to afford books to read for pleasure. Congratulations to all the winners.”

“ABA extends congratulations to all the winners in the Book Dollars for Scholars program,” said Mark Nichols, the American Booksellers Association’s industry relations officer. “Many thanks again to James Patterson for his generous support and encouragement of reading. His belief in the power of books to entertain, inform, and even transform lives is very much shared by independent booksellers, who are looking forward to talking about a next great read with these winners.”

ABA will assist winners in locating IndieBound bookstores in their areas. (Watch BTW for updates.)

The 2012 Book Dollars for Scholars program will be accepting applications in September 2011 from high school seniors in the process of applying to college. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Winning entries from this year’s first- and second-place winners can be read at www.jamespatterson.com.