“Freddy B: My Last Encounter with the Law Got Me a Trip for a One-Year Stay at a Department of Corrections Facility” by Yvonne Stevens Walton Harris wins the 2023 Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List

According to the Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List, “as the annual judging draws to a close, the Eric Hoffer Award announces a small set of grand prize award finalists. Less than 5% of the nominees become grand prize award finalists. This small list, or “short list,” of finalists is an honored distinction of its own and is announced publicly during the spring of each award year prior to the grand prize announcement. Below are the current and previous short-listed entries in alphabetical order by book.”

Yvonne Stevens Walton Harris’ “Freddy B: My Last Encounter with the Law Got Me a Trip for a One-Year Stay at a Department of Corrections Facility,” published by Author Reputation Press, wins the 2023 Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List.

The Eric Hoffer Book Award commemorates the memory of the famous American philosopher Eric Hoffer by honoring outstanding writing and the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its foundation, Hoffer has grown to become one of the most prestigious worldwide book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.

Author Yvonne Stevens Walton Harris and her husband, Frederick Harris, reside in the suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. Harris holds an associate degree in Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis and a bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

She has won a prestigious award for her writing from the Department of Afro Studies at IUPUI, and she is a lifetime Gamma Phi Delta sorority sister in good standing. Dedicated to her spiritual home at Eastside Baptist Church since 1960, Mrs. Harris is the President of the Nurses Ministry at Eastside and Secretary of the Monthly Nurses Union District meetings. She is a retired substitute teacher for the Washington Township Public School System, and she continues to be an advocate for all children.

Moreover, this masterpiece was displayed at the 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair and is also commended by Michelle Jacobs of the US Review of Books, who writes:

“…written in compelling and evocative prose, the real and raw voice of Freddy Harris chronicles his feelings and experiences throughout his young life. He reflects on his childhood, family relationships, and criminal acts that land him in the detention center.“

When Benji Cole of CBS Radio interviewed Yvonne Stevens Walton Harris, she shared essential information about the message of the book. is to serve as a reminder to readers, especially young men and women, that every choice we make has a consequence. Life has its own unique, sometimes painful way of repaying you for all that you have given it.

The author was also featured in the prestigious radio show This Week in America, which is broadcast on numerous stations in the US. The program combines entertainment with education and information. Professional broadcaster Ric Bratton serves as the host.

Ric Bratton has a long history in the broadcast profession, having worked with superstars such as Larry King, Hugh Downs, Chris Matthews, Jay Leno, George Clooney, and Katie Couric, among many others.

Ric Bratton also anchors the daily segment, Just So You Know, which airs on over 40 radio stations across the country. His TV experience includes news reporting and anchoring, weather forecasting, and sports newscasts. The Ric Bratton Show was one of the longest-running and highest-rated local TV discussion shows in the country.

Yvonne Stevens Walton Harris’ “Freddy B: My Last Encounter with the Law Got Me a Trip for a One-Year Stay at a Department of Corrections Facility” illustrates Freddy B.’s life’s candor. This is a poignant reminder for all parents and teenagers, which offers insights and lessons that could improve our lives. Sincere and genuine communication in a family is certainly crucial. As children mature and enter adolescence, they often choose not to open up to their parents about their feelings, concerns, and current events, which is a struggle for most parents. This book exhorts parents to persevere and look for their kids’ vulnerabilities, regardless of how thick and high their walls are.

To get more intimate with the book’s message and to be inspired more by the loving author and mother, watch the Author Spotlight Interview: https://press.authorreputationpress.com/2022/10/28/author-spotlight-yvonne-walton-harris-is-the-author-of-freddy-b-my-last-encounter-with-the-law-got-me-a-trip-for-a-one-year-stay-at-a-department-of-corrections-facility/.

This link will take you to a page where you can learn more about the 2023 Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List: https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-grand-prize-short-list.html#.ZFLW4nbMKUk