James Patterson's “Book Dollars for Scholars” Redeemable at IndieBound Stores

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On Friday, September 10, author James Patterson launched a new program to support college-bound high school students. “Book Dollars for Scholars” is a contest open to high school seniors who will have an opportunity to win one of 56 gift certificates, ranging from $250 to $5,000 apiece, for use at any IndieBound-affiliated independent bookstore.

High school students can enter to win the certificates by participating in an essay contest via www.JamesPatterson.com. The essay question asks, “How has your favorite book inspired you toward what you’d like to do in life?” Essays will be read by Patterson and select members from his ReadKiddoRead.com board.

Students whose essays demonstrate the most creative thoughts on how books can energize real-life pursuits will have a chance of winning one of eight first-place awards of $5,000 apiece; one of eight second-place awards of $2,500 apiece; or one of 40 third-place awards of $250 apiece.

“My hope with this award is to help students going to college – where they’ll be immersed in textbooks and great classics, and be under pressure to succeed – to maintain their interest in enjoying a good book for fun,” said Patterson in a release. “I’m looking forward to reading the entries!”

The contest is sponsored by Patterson, who chose to work with IndieBound to provide gift certificates for the contest winners. The contest entry page notes that winners will be able to use their gift certificates to purchase books at any bookstores listed on the IndieBound.org website, either in-store or online.

“Book Dollars for Scholars” began taking essay contest entries on September 10; the deadline is December 31, 2010. Winners will be announced nationally on February 1, 2011. Contest details are available at www.JamesPatterson.com.