Young Colton Burpo’s account of heaven has reached a major milestone by staying on the New York Times Paperback Nonfiction list for more than two years. 

Written by Colton’s father, Todd Burpo, with Lynn Vincent, Heaven Is for Real (Thomas Nelson) has become a publishing phenomenon since its release in November 2010, reaching the New York Times best-seller list for 110 consecutive weeks. Nelson has printed 8 million copies of the book.

"This is an astounding achievement for a remarkable book that has defied all odds and predictions since the day it was published,” said Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Nelson. “Even in a changing publishing industry, great books will always find their way. We've heard from people around the world that their lives have been changed by Colton Burpo's story. And it continues to this day."

Heaven Is for Real also has reached No. 1 on best-seller lists from USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, National Public Radio, CBA and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

The publisher has released multiple ancillary products based on the book, including a deluxe hardcover edition, a DVD-based conversation kit, the devotional Heaven Changes Everything, Heaven Is for Real for Kids (ages 4-8) and Heaven Is for Real for Little Ones (ages 1-3). 

Heaven Is for Real for Kids also has hit the top spot on the New York Times best-seller list as a print children’s picture book. The Burpo family’s follow-up book, Heaven Changes Everything, also made the New York Times list in October. 

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