ARPress is honored to announce that Ash! From the May 18, 1980, Explosion of Mount St. Helens by Sandy Haney League has been recognized as a Category Finalist in the 2025 Eric Hoffer Awards—one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses. This distinction places the book among the top tier of entries evaluated for excellence in writing, originality, and impact within its category. The recognition affirms the heart of the book’s message and the dedication that went into its creation. ARPress is deeply grateful for the support of readers, editors, and the publishing team who helped bring this project to life.
The 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award continues its tradition of honoring exceptional independent, academic, and small press publications. Established in the early 21st century to celebrate freethinking writers and innovative publishing, the Hoffer Award has become one of the most prominent international honors for independently published books. It serves as a vital platform for independent authors and publishers, offering recognition and visibility in a competitive literary landscape. By honoring works that might otherwise be overlooked, the award plays a crucial role in promoting diverse voices and innovative storytelling. Its association with the US Review of Books further amplifies the reach and impact of its honorees.
Unlike many mainstream literary prizes, the Eric Hoffer Award provides a platform for emerging authors and underrepresented voices. In an industry often dominated by large publishing houses and celebrity authors, this award gives serious consideration to originality, independent spirit, and literary merit—regardless of budget or backing.
Authors who win or are named finalists often gain credibility, visibility, and increased book sales. The awards are featured in the US Review of Books, helping expand readership and bring deserving titles to a broader audience.
Author Sandy Haney League holds a master’s degree in education with a specialization in reading and taught first grade in Basin City, Washington, for nearly thirty years. For Sandy, being a mother and a Christ-follower are her most important roles, both of which led her to a fulfilling career in teaching. She also taught Sunday school at the local Baptist church and led a puppet ministry, for which she wrote original scripts for group performances.
Sandy Haney League was also interviewed on People of Distinction by Benji Cole of CBS Radio. People of Distinction is one of the most extensive and wide-ranging radio shows in the United States. Hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio, the program is an ideal platform for authors seeking greater exposure. It airs on Apple’s iTunes Radio Network (Professional News/Talk), featuring CBS Radio, Fox News, NPR, and C-SPAN.
Click the link below to listen to the full interview:
Ash! From the May 18, 1980, Explosion of Mount St. Helens by Sandy Haney League was acclaimed by Toby Berry of the US Review of Books. The review highlighted that,
“This book is a riveting blow-by-blow account, but it also explains the natural science experiment of regrowth that resulted from the unique volcanic eruption. Perhaps reading about it will inspire the next generation of population biologists or, at the very least, inspire a family field trip. Every elementary and middle school library should have this book. Children will not only have so many questions about the eruption itself but also about the days before cell phone photographs, streaming services, and the Internet. This intriguing look back at a significant event of the twentieth century educates its audience on more than one front.”
This powerful narrative follows the author’s family’s experience during the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. It is a true account of the massive ash fallout and its impact on the author and her family, who lived directly in the path of the fallout zone.
The story centers around five-year-old Charissa, who is eagerly anticipating a fishing trip with her grandpa and the rest of the family. Everything seems to be going well—until a strange storm appears on the horizon. Suddenly, ash begins to fall from the sky, turning day into night.
Watch the book trailer here:
Each year, hundreds of books are submitted from around the world. Past winners have included compelling memoirs, socially impactful nonfiction, innovative fiction, and beautifully designed books. While the Eric Hoffer Award may not necessarily turn an author into a household name, it holds significant prestige in the literary world.
In a literary landscape that can often feel inaccessible or overly commercialized, the Eric Hoffer Awards serve as a beacon of encouragement for independent creators. They honor the belief that writing, at its core, is about truth, exploration, and forging genuine connections with readers—and that these qualities can emerge from any corner of the publishing world.
For readers, the award is a trusted guide for discovering meaningful, thought-provoking books. For writers, it is an affirmation that great work deserves recognition—no matter where it comes from.
The list of finalists may be viewed here: https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-category-finalists.html .
The US Review of Books also lists category finalists: https://www.theusreview.com/USR-Hoffer-Finalists.html.