Every year, many await the arrival of great news. The long wait is over—the results for the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award have been released. Ash! From the May 18, 1980, Explosion of Mount St. Helens” by Sandy Haney Leaguehas been nominated for this prestigious honor.
The announcement of the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award winners marks a significant milestone in the literary world, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of authors and publishers who embody the spirit of independent thought and creativity. This esteemed award continues to honor the legacy of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by recognizing books of outstanding merit from small, academic, and independent presses—including self-published works.
The award encompasses a range of honors, including the Grand Prize, category winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions across various genres. Additionally, special distinctions—such as the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking books, the da Vinci Eye for superior book cover art, the First Horizon Award for debut authors, and the Medal Provocateur for experimental poetry—further highlight the diversity and excellence within the independent publishing community.
While the Grand Prize is the pinnacle of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the significance of a nomination cannot be overstated. The rigorous judging process ensures that only the most exceptional works rise to the top, with fewer than 10% of nominees becoming category finalists. This distinction not only validates the quality and impact of a book but also provides authors and publishers with increased visibility and credibility in the competitive literary market.
Moreover, the recognition associated with a nomination can lead to broader media exposure, opportunities for speaking engagements, and increased sales. For independent authors and publishers, such acknowledgment can be transformative—opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
This year, Ash! From the May 18, 1980, Explosion of Mount St. Helens” by Sandy Haney League has been nominated for an award. ARPress is honored to announce that it 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.
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.
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:
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:
Judging for this year’s award has officially concluded, and we’re pleased to share the results. You can view the winners by visiting the Eric Hoffer Award page at: