James Patterson Launches 'Winter Book Bucks' Program

Shelf Awareness

Author James Patterson, an advocate for both children's literacy and independent bookstores, has launched the first annual Winter Book Bucks, the latest addition to his Book Bucks programs that began with College Book Bucks in 2010 and continued with Summer Book Bucks this year, Bookselling This Week reported.

Parents who sign up at the Winter Book Bucks Web page, and pledge 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 and January 13. Winners will be announced in early February.

"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."