Land of Elyon Books Win National Lamplighter Award / Nominated For Multiple Literary Awards 5/21/07

You can find his books in the backpacks and on nightstands of young readers around the world. They have made Patrick Carman’s Land of Elyon series an international bestselling series with millions of copies in print. The trilogy includes The Dark Hills Divide, Beyond the Valley of Thorns, and The Tenth City, all published by Scholastic, Inc. These same young readers have placed Carman’s books, noted for their engaging writing and storytelling, on the list of nominees for several literary awards.In various communities around the country, literary awards are part of ongoing programs to promote reading and lifelong literacy among young readers. The awards introduce students to high quality, contemporary authors and allow them to help honor the authors whose books they have enjoyed.Committees of school library media specialists and public librarians generate lists of 10 to 25 nominees based on criteria such as quality of writing, themes that inspire children toward positive goals, and the ability of the book to broaden the human experience. Students are required to read three books from the final list of nominees before voting for a winner.The Dark Hills Divide was nominated for multiple awards in 2006 and 2007:*WINNER* 2007 Lamplighter Award. The Lamplighter Award was created to encourage elementary and junior high students to read wholesome and uplifting books by providing lists each year of the best in literature.*WINNER* of the Cochecho Readers Award 2005-2006 – sponsored by the Children’s Librarians of Dover and chosen by third and fourth graders in Dover, New Hampshire.Great Stone Face Award 2006 Nominee – sponsored by the Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire and chosen by fourth through sixth graders in New Hampshire.Indian Paintbrush Award 2005-2006 Nominee – sponsored by the Wyoming Library Association and the Wyoming State Reading Council and chosen by fourth through sixth graders in Wyoming. Black-Eyed Susan Award 2006-2007 Nominee – sponsored by the Maryland Educational Media Organization and chosen by fourth through sixth graders in Maryland.Waukesha County Kids Choice Award 2006 Nominee – sponsored by the Waukesha County Federated Library System and chosen by fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in Waukesha, Wisconsin.The Children’s Crown Award 2006-2007 Nominee sponsored by the Texas Christian Schools Association and chosen by sixth through eighth graders.iParenting Media Award, 2005 – Rated in the excellent category for books.Beyond the Valley of Thorns has been nominated for two awards to be given in 2007:Colorado Children’s Book Award 2007 Nominee sponsored by the Colorado Council of the International Reading Association and voted on by fourth through sixth graders in Colorado.Waukesha County Kids Choice Award 2007 Nominee – award is based on nominations from students in fourth through sixth grade in Waukesha, Wisconsin in a cooperative effort between school and public libraries. For questions, interview support or public relations please contact:press@patrickcarman.comFor press material, pictures, and video or to find out more about Patrick Carman log onto www.patrickcarman.com