Vestal Author Earns National Awards for Acclaimed Book

A local author just earned major recognition on a national stage, and it’s a win that puts our community in the spotlight.

Vestal Author Takes Top Honors

Dr. Angela Crawford, a longtime Vestal resident and former Binghamton-area psychotherapist, has earned first-place wins in four categories at the 2025 Outstanding Creator Awards. Her book, The Vegan Transformation, also picked up two additional honorable mentions, making it one of the most recognized titles in this year’s competition.

Four First-Place Wins, Including Two Solo Victories

This wasn’t a single-category fluke. Crawford’s book took first place for Best Non-Fiction Book of Fall and Winter 2025, Educational and Reference Books, Veganism and Vegetarianism, and Health. In two of those categories, it was the sole winner, which is no small thing in a national contest packed with experienced writers and professionals.

Why Judges Said This Book Goes Far Beyond Diet Advice

Judges gave The Vegan Transformation an impressive 95 out of 100 rating. Reviews praised it for going deeper than a typical diet book, calling it an emotional, psychological, ethical, and even spiritual journey. Several reviewers noted how powerfully the book connects everyday food choices to a larger sense of purpose and well-being.

The Bigger Message Behind the Book

Crawford says the heart of the book is about more than what’s on your plate. It’s about how small, compassionate changes can ripple outward, improving emotional and physical health while also helping people feel more connected to the world around them. That message clearly struck a chord with readers and judges alike.

An Earth Day Launch That Quickly Caught On

The book launched on Earth Day in April 2025, which feels fitting given its message. Not long after release, it climbed to number one in Amazon’s Animal Rights category, signaling early on that readers were paying attention.

A Familiar Voice With Deep Local Roots

For many locals, Crawford’s work may already feel familiar. She spent more than two decades working as a psychotherapist in the Binghamton area and now teaches and writes as a vegan educator and Food for Life instructor. Her background blends psychology, nutrition, and personal transformation in a way that feels practical and grounded.

Where You Can Find the Book

If you’re curious, The Vegan Transformation is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and other major retailers. The paperback is also featured in the Local Authors section at the Vestal Barnes and Noble, which is a well-earned hometown moment.

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A Big Win That Hits Close to Home

Big awards don’t always land in small towns, which makes this one especially meaningful. It’s a reminder that impactful ideas and powerful stories can come from right here, and sometimes they travel a lot farther than we ever expect.