![\"\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Atkinsonbook-300x222.jpg\")
MINNEAPOLIS, Mn, May 7, 2019 \u2013 Bismarck, North Dakota-native Patrick Atkinson has been awarded the prestigious 2019 National Gold Medal by the Independent Book Publisher Association (IBPA), it was recently announced.<\/p>\nMINNEAPOLIS, Mn, May 7, 2019 \u2013 Bismarck, North Dakota-native Patrick Atkinson has been awarded the prestigious 2019 National Gold Medal by the Independent Book Publisher Association (IBPA), it was recently announced.<\/p>\n
Atkinson won in the Gift, Specialty, and Journal division for his 2018 book, The Powerful You!<\/em>. The awards, now in their 23rd<\/sup> year, recognize independent authors worldwide and attempt to showcase the best from among the nearly one million books published each year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A panel of publishing-industry experts judge nominated books on the quality of content, originality, design and production. Known within the publishing industry as IPPY Awards, it has evolved into a much sought-after contest to win.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Atkinson\u2019s The Powerful You!<\/em>, published by Beavers Pond Press, is an empowering book that emphasizes self-responsibility for children, teenagers, and young adults.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The book was colorfully illustrated by his son, Ernesto Atkinson, a Guatemala native and Bismarck, ND resident prior to his 2007 graduation from North Dakota State University and subsequent graduate studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. Ernesto Atkinson is a successful professional artist with art currently on display in galleries in the United States, Central America, and Europe. He is a licensed family therapist helping victims of trauma in Milwaukee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Author Patrick Atkinson is the founder and international executive director of the Bismarck-based charity, The God\u2019s Child Project, and a prolific international author. His 2012 book, A Message for My Child<\/em>\u2019, was a three-time National Christian Choice Award winner, and subsequently translated into 11 languages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Patrick Atkinson said he was grateful to see his book, The Powerful You!<\/em>, selected to receive the 2019 National Gold Medal from the Independent Book Publisher Association because the book emphasizes \u201cthe power that people have to determine how they will live their life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEach year I give presentations across our hemisphere to empower our children and teenagers to take charge of their lives,\u201d Atkinson said. \u201cThis is their life, their world. The Powerful You!<\/em> lays that out in a very straight-forward fashion. It\u2019s the perfect graduation or moving out gift for teenagers and young adults.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Independent Book Publisher Association will present gold medals to both Atkinsons at an awards dinner in New York City later this month.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Atkinson is currently collaborating on his eighth book, a teenage survival guide titled, And We Are\u2026 Kids<\/em>, with Minneapolis-based youth advocate Jordan Ericksen. His son Ernesto Atkinson will also be the illustrator for this book.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Separately, Ernesto is writing his first full-length book, entitled Integration Art <\/em>which will be marketed to counselors, art therapists, and psychologists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n