A Gritty Sports Heroine Returns to the Classroom in ‘Maggie Vaults Over the Moon’ with Foreword by Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi and Chapter Questions by Dr. Melissa White
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has become a gold-medal favorite for its positive message for tweens and teens. In addition to the timeless story, this new edition includes an inspiring message by Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi, with group discussion questions by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.
GRAIN VALLEY, Kan. — Hailed one of the great track and field novels of all time, the saga of a gritty Kansas farm girl’s quest to master the daring sport of pole-vaulting has stirred hopes and dreams around the world, especially among tweens and younger teens.
“A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
Now Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has been reissued as a classroom reader, with discussion questions designed to help students reconnect, through the power of a great story, after the separation that has disrupted their social and emotional lives.
“Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story.” – Christine Brennan, USA TODAY
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has become a gold-medal favorite for its positive message for tweens and teens. In addition to the timeless story, this new edition includes an inspiring message by Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi, with group discussion questions by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.
“An inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections." — MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS
Book Description: When tragedy strikes the Steele family farm at harvest time, Maggie finds herself grinding the gears of the old grain truck, trying in vain to replace her older brother, Alex, who has died in a car crash. Returning to school for what should’ve been a happy senior year, Maggie feels too depressed to do anything she once enjoyed before her life turned upside down. Instead, she retreats to the hayloft of the creaky old barn where she and her brother once played. Discovering a forgotten bamboo pole buried in a pile of straw, she embarks on a secret quest to teach herself how to pole vault. When the track and field season begins, Maggie becomes a sensation as the high school’s first girl vaulter, but a wicked storm shatters her dreams. Drawing courage from the voice within, Maggie refuses to quit. When the crossbar rises to an all-time high, will Maggie find the courage and strength within to accomplish her dream?
“This inspiring tale celebrates the courage to turn tragedy and loss into something positive, and how the determination to master a sport can heal." — VAULTER MAGAZINE
The book is endorsed by school counselors, adolescent psychologists. Olympians who became coaches themselves have purchased the book in mass quantities to motivate their own athletes, especially young teen girls. Dr. White’s questions invite group discussion on important themes in the story, including shared grief and the healing power of community, overcoming internal and external obstacles, how to build determination and resilience. And, how to perform your best when it matters most, in sports and in real life.
“The positive influence this book can have is invaluable. I’m thrilled to have my young athletes read it and be energized by its positive message: Stay driven and never give up!” – Erica (Bartolina) Fraley, US Olympian and Coach of Champions
Maggie is a perfect read-aloud book for middle school language arts classes or to supplement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, in which children learn to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions for themselves.
“Highly recommended for all teens, especially those seeking direction during the storm and stress of adolescence.” — Dr. Timothy M. Tays, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Whether learning virtually or in-person, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is proven to connect and engage readers of all ages. Discounts are available on Class Sets. The audiobook performed by Audie Award-Winning voice actress Tavia Gilbert enhances the classroom experience.
"Heartwarming and realistic, this book is a winner!" — Nancy Julien Kopp, CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL
Former Miami Herald sportswriter and USATF decathlon All-American Grant Overstake has authored two award-winning young adult novels with important themes, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, and The Real Education of TJ Crowley, through his own imprint, Grain Valley Publishing Company. Grant’s books are sold everywhere online and directly through www.grainvalleypublishing.com.
“The World Needs More Maggies!” – Joline Frook, Sports Mom