Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back has been a publishing success since its release in November 2010—and the title has just hit another milestone. On Nov. 24, the Thomas Nelson-published book by Todd Burpo with co-writer Lynn Vincent placed at No. 12 on the New York Times Paperback Nonfiction list—its 156th consecutive week appearing on the best-seller list.

The No. 1 New York Times best-seller has also topped the USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, National Public Radio, CBA and Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) best-seller lists in the three years since its release. More than 8 million copies of the book are in print.

“Heaven Is for Real continues to surpass all expectations,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “For three years, this book has resonated with millions of readers, bringing them hope and strengthening their faith. It has been an honor to work with the entire Burpo family as they continue to share their story for a greater purpose.”

Several spin-off titles by the Burpo family also have had success on the New York Times lists, including a deluxe hardcover edition of Heaven Is for Real that spent eight weeks on the Hardcover Nonfiction list; Heaven Is for Real for Kids, which reached No. 1 on the Children’s Picture Books list; and Heaven Changes Everything, which charted for two weeks on the Hardcover Advice list.

“Certain stories have a unique ability to transcend time due to their unique subjects and themes,” said Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson. “Heaven Is for Real does exactly that and speaks to the innocent child in all of us. Through Colton Burpo, we all catch a glimpse of the world beyond our own.

“We’re so thankful to our retail partners and our readers for their tireless efforts to spread this story all over the globe,” added Baugher.

A feature film based on the book will debut in theaters April 16. The TriStar Pictures movie stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly and Connor Corum.

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