James Patterson Scholarship Reminder

James Patterson's essay contest, “Book Dollars for Scholars,” has garnered many participants since its launch on September 10 and remains open to all college-bound high school seniors until its deadline on December 31, 2010.

For the opportunity to win a gift certificate ranging between $200 and $5,000 for use at any IndieBound-affiliated independent bookstore, James Patterson is asking high school students to describe how their favorite book has inspired them regarding what they would like to do in life.

The 56 students that most creatively demonstrate the way books can energize real-life pursuits will have the chance of winning one of eight first-place awards of $5,000; one of eight second-place awards of $2,500; or one of 40 third-place awards of $250.

The essays will be read by Patterson and select members from his ReadKiddoRead.com board, and winners will be announced nationally on February 1, 2011.

By sponsoring this contest, Patterson hopes to maintain students' interest in reading books for fun as they enter college. He chose to work with IndieBound to provide gift certificates that can be used at any bookstore listed on the IndieBound.org website, either in-store or online.

More details about the scholarship and how to enter can be found on the contest entry page.