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James Patterson donates $100,000 to bookshops to get kids reading
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James Patterson, the world’s bestselling author, is giving bookstores in Australia and New Zealand up to $5000 each to spend on initiatives to get children reading. The total grant pool available is $100,000.
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The US author, who made the announcement in Sydney today, believes that there are far too many children at risk of living their lives without books and is concerned that this translates to a world ‘run by the self-centred, the short-sighted and the glib; the apathetic and the narrow-minded.’
‘There is no doubt in my mind that bookshops play an essential role in the community in getting kids reading,’ says James, who has run a similar initiative in the UK and the US.
‘I have been inspired, moved and delighted by the innovative proposals I have received from bookstores in the UK and the US. And I have been thrilled to see the real difference that these grants have already started to make. I can’t wait to see the proposals from Australian and New Zealand bookstores.’
To apply for the grant, booksellers must already have a dedicated children’s book section in their store.
‘We are thrilled by James Patterson’s extraordinary generosity in supporting Australian booksellers in promoting kids’ books,’ says Joel Becker, the Chief Executive of the Australian Booksellers Association.
‘This is great news for an industry that is already seeing significant growth in sales for younger readers. Along with James, we celebrate the role that bookshops have in communities throughout Australia. We are excited about the opportunity that these grants will provide for bookshops to reach out to new audiences, and to develop ideas and programs that encourage young people to engage with the world of books and reading. Our members will take up this opportunity with a gusto that will knock your socks off!’
New research shows that the number of books in the family home directly impacts a child’s reading level – by as much as three years. A 2014 study across 41 countries and 200,144 cases found that having a home library enhances academic performance for all children. The improvement was irrespective of the parent’s own education, which has massive implications. Even if a parent is illiterate, just having a children’s book in the home helps. Its very physicality is an invitation to pick it up and turn the pages.
‘This initiative shines a light on literacy. It prompts us to ask: what do we want our future to be and how do we get there?’ says James.
Reading skills in Australia have dropped significantly since 2000, according to the most recent OECD report on literacy across 65 countries and half a million children. One in three Australian high school students can be considered functionally illiterate and in Tasmania, it’s as bad as one in two.
‘Bookshops guard against a future in which far too many children are illiterate,’ says James. ‘So many
bookstores are already making a difference in their communities and I’m looking to help bookstores who want to do more.’
‘I’m open to all sorts of ideas. From an after-school bookclub, to an emailed newsletter; from a spot bonus to a valued employee, to funds to create a storytelling tent. Send me your ideas and I will read them,’ says James. ‘For me, making the pledge is the easy part. The tricky task will be deciding which shops to help.’
Booksellers have until 5pm Tuesday 30 June to apply for the grant. To download an application form, visit www.aba.org.au/jamespattersonlovesbookshops
About James Patterson
JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. Since winning the
Edgar™ Award for Best First Novel with The Thomas Berryman Number, his books have sold in excess of 300 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. He lives in Florida with his wife and son. James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books specifically for young readers.
About the 2014 research
Titled Scholarly Culture and Academic Performance in 42 Nations, this research, which was co-authored by Dr Joanna Sikora from Australian National University and two others, found that the number of books in the family home dramatically impacts reading ability. To obtain a copy of this research paper, please email dtonkin@randomhouse.com.au
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