To Save A Life Wins Book Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Headline - Oceanside Youth Leaders win National Book Award

OCEANSIDE, CA (November 23, 2009) - Local youth leaders, Jim and Rachel Britts are recognized with the 2009 Moonbeam Children's Book Award, Silver Medal in the Young Adult Fiction - Mature Issues category for their book based on the movie, "To Save a Life".

The Novel, Feature-length Film and accompanying Curriculum Study Kit for, "To Save a Life", is the creation of New Song Community Church's youth pastor, Jim Britts, who wrote the screenplay after learning that the top influencer of teen behavior is not their parents, school or church, but movies. "I work with troubled teens every day and see the severity of the poor choices they make. Media formats like books and movies are a powerful way to illustrate the consequences of making the wrong choice while reinforcing positive actions," said Britts.

To Save a Life is Jim and Rachel Britts first novel. "As a Teacher at Oceanside High School, I care deeply for the students in my community." said Rachel Britts, "Jim and I see first-hand the challenges students face and we wanted to produce the most effective communication tools to inspire young people to reach out to the hurting and lonely around them. To Save A Life, offers an uplifting message and alternative to the hopelessness teens may face as they struggle with challenges including violence, suicide and unplanned pregnancy."

The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. This year's awards attracted nearly a thousand entries from throughout North America and the English-speaking world.

"To Save a Life" was filmed at locations in and around North County San Diego and is set for major theatrical release by Samuel Goldwyn Films on January 22^nd, 2010. 

Written and produced by Youth Pastor Jim Britts and Executive Pastor Steve Foster, "To Save A Life" is a movie dealing with the tragic issue of Teen Suicide. The "To Save A Life" Film, Novel and Curriculum Study Kit are intended for use by Small Groups and teachers to impact the youth in their area.

Learn More:

For more about Jim Britts: http://jimbritts.com/
For more info about To Save A Life book and movie: http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/
For more info on the Moonbeam Book Awards: http://moonbeamawards.com/