James Patterson will be in the UK in April 2009 to promote an exciting competition run in partnership with the National Literacy Trust (NLT). The ‘James Patterson Extreme Reading Challenge’ is designed to encourage children to read with their dads / male carers.

The ‘James Patterson Extreme Reading Challenge’ is being run in partnership with the NLT’s Reading Champions initiative. It will be launched as a key NLT World Book Day campaign in March 09 and will work with over 3000 schools across the UK. The idea for the initiative came directly from Patterson, who is passionate about getting boys hooked on books from a young age.

Indisputably one of the biggest selling authors in the world, James’ books have been translated into 49 different languages, and over 150 million copies of his books have been sold across the globe.

In 2007, over 1,700,000 copies of his books were sold in the UK alone and he is currently the most borrowed author from UK libraries.

James has two series of young adult books published in dual editions in the UK – Maximum Ride (a group of avian human hybrids living on the margins of society) and Daniel X (child alien hunter).

The ‘James Patterson Extreme Reading Challenge’

The aim of the ‘James Patterson Extreme Reading Challenge’ (JPERC) is to encourage dads/male carers to read with their children. There is a prize for one dad/male carer and their child to hunt their own aliens on a trip to Sweden to visit the biggest space centre in Europe. All they need to do is take a photo of both of them reading together in the most unusual place they can think of. The winning photograph will be the one taken in the most extreme or unusual location. To enter the competition parents/ children need to ask their school to sign up to the NLT Reading Champions initiative at www.readingchampions.org.uk

The competition will be launched around World Book Day with packs sent to participating schools and also available to download on the NLT and Random House Group websites. It is hoped that the competition will help get children fired up about books. The winner will be announced at a special reception at the London International Book Fair on Monday 20th April 2009, when James will be present as featured ‘Author of the Day’.

Sarah Osborne, project manager of the National Literacy Trust Reading Champions initiative says: It is very exciting to be working with the internationally renowned and successful author James Patterson. We are delighted to be working together with him to promote the importance of children reading with their parents or carers. The ‘James Patterson Extreme Reading Challenge’ is a great way to make reading fun and to encourage children to pick up a book. We passionately believe that low levels of literacy are a barrier to social justice and we are committed to promoting reading and improving literacy skills in order to help children get the start in life they deserve.’

James Patterson says, As a writer, and also as a father, I’m delighted to be working with the National Literacy Trust in really encouraging kids to discover the love of reading. I’ve been actively involved in getting kids to enjoy books in America and it’s great to be able to help bring this message to the UK. The Reading Champions initiative is a wonderful opportunity to encourage us dads to get reading with our sons, what could be better?’

Helen Ginn, Brand Manager at Random House says: Patterson’s writing is always fast and pacy, with short chapters and lots of dialogue – guaranteed to hook male readers especially, and therefore a perfect fit with the National Literacy Trust’s Reading Champions initiative. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X comes in two editions, one specifically for younger readers and one for grown-ups, making it an ideal recommendation for this competition which is all about excitement and reading together’.

James will be in London from 19th-22nd April and is available for interview. For further information, please contact Louise Campbell, Publicity Director, Random House Books on 0207 840 8614 or email lcampbell@randomhouse.co.uk

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest selling writers of all time. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past decade: the Women’s Murder Club, the Alex Cross novels and Maximum Ride, and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels, stand alone thrillers and a new young adult series Daniel X (www.daniel-x.co.uk).

He has long been involved with projects in the US to promote the enjoyment of reading, most recently with a new website www.readkiddoread.com set up to assist parents in making book choices for their children.

James has won an Edgar award, the mystery world’s highest honour. He lives in Florida with his wife and son.

www.jamespatterson.co.uk

About the National Literacy Trust:

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It has a vision of a society in which everyone has the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills they need to fulfil their own and, ultimately, the nation’s potential. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. See www.literacytrust.org.uk

About Reading Champions:

This is an initiative delivered by the National Literacy Trust on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It uses the motivational power of male reading role models to inspire other boys and men to read more. See www.readingchampions.org.uk

The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486,

Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.