National Book Foundation has chosen "Zoo" author James Patterson as the recipient of this year's Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community, which will be awarded to the author during the National Book Awards 2015 ceremony in November. The organization selected the bestselling novelist for being a "passionate campaigner to make books and reading a national priority."
In a press release obtained by Galley Cat, National Book Foundation elaborated the work Patterson has tirelessly and wholeheartedly done in the past decade to realize his crusade. "Patterson has donated millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to encourage Americans to read more books, donated over a million books to children and American soldiers."
National Book Foundation also recognized Patterson's efforts to "help families develop healthy reading habits" with a website he created called the ReadKiddoRead. This very website also happens to be the winner of the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. This is, of course, on top of publishing over a dozen novels that always make it to the bestseller lists.
A statement obtained by LA Times reveals that National Book Foundation executive director Harold Augenbraum also admires the 68-year-old "Alex Cross" series writer for his "dedication to the expansion of reading is closer to a crusade than an avocation. Its fervor seems to increase with each passing year."
As previously reported by Books N Review, Patterson visited Baltimore two weeks ago, when 25-year-old Freddie Gray Jr. died during police custody - an incident that shook the city. There, he met up with civic leaders, city council members and school and library officials as well as 300 fifth graders. He also gave away 25,000 copies of his new children's book "Public School Superhero" that centers on the adventures of a black sixth grader.
As stated in the National Book Foundation website, previous National Book Award winners, as well as finalists, judges and other writers from the country nominate candidates for the Lifetime Achievement Award. The organization's Board of Directors is in charge of choosing which among these nominees will be the recipient and this year was Patterson's moment.
Former winners of the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community include Dr. Maya Angelou, Joan Ganz Cooney, Dave Eggers, Barbara Epstein and Robert Silvers among others. New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will present the award to Patterson during the 66th National Book Awards 2015 on Nov. 18 in New York City.