Gritty Sports Heroine Returns in New Edition of ‘Maggie Vaults Over the Moon'!
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is being reintroduced as a middle school classroom reader on June 1, 2021. In addition to the original story by author Grant Overstake, the “Class Set Version” includes an inspiring message by reigning Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi, with group discussion questions for young people in hard times by a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology, Dr. Melissa White. (Cover illustration by YoungJu Kim).
GRAIN VALLEY, Kan. — Recognized as one of the great track and field novels of all time by Citius Mag, the saga of a gritty Kansas farm girl’s quest to master the daring sport of pole-vaulting has stirred the hopes and dreams of readers around the world.
“A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
The chapter questions for the new release of Maggie Vaults Over the Moon are written by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.
We’re delighted to announce that a new version of Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is being reintroduced June 1, 2021 with discussion questions to help students reflect and regroup following the pandemic that has disrupted their lives.
“Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story.” – Christine Brennan, USA TODAY
In addition to the original story by author Grant Overstake, the new book includes an inspiring message by reigning Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi, with group discussion questions for young people by a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology, Dr. Melissa White.
"An inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections." — MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS
Dr. White’s questions invite group discussion on important themes in the book including dealing with grief, overcoming obstacles, determination, and resilience. Kirkus Reviews says the story has a timeless feel that will connect with anyone looking for an engaging, uplifting experience. The novel has become a gold-medal favorite for its positive message for tweens and teens.
The book -- which was named “National Book of the Week” and a “Too Cool Back-to-School Read!” by Publisher’s Weekly -- is endorsed by school counselors, adolescent psychologists, and experts such as Dr. White. Olympians who became coaches have purchased the book in mass quantities to motivate their own athletes, especially young teen girls.
“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
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 track season begins, Maggie becomes a sensation as the school’s first girl vaulter, until a wicked storm shatters her dreams. Drawing courage from the voice within, Maggie gets back up and tries again, and again, soaring into a future of her own making.
“The World Needs More Maggies!” – Joline Frook, Sports Mom
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 track and field All-American Grant Overstake has written and published two award-winning young adult novels, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, and The Real Education of TJ Crowley, through his own imprint, Grain Valley Publishing Company.
Follow Grant and catch up on his books blogs at grantoverstake.com.
MAGGIE VAULTS OVER THE MOON
Print Information
Trim Size
6.000" x 9.000" (229mm x 152mm)
Page Count
246 Pages
Print ISBN
978-1-7323047-2-7
RETAIL PRICE
$14.99 (Paperback)
Bulk Discounts Available
FOR EDUCATORS
Flesch Reading Ease score: 86.8 (text scale)
Gunning Fog: 6.5 (text scale)
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 4.2
Grade level: Fourth Grade.
The Coleman-Liau Index: 6
Grade level: Sixth Grade
The SMOG Index: 4.5
Grade level: Fifth Grade
Interest level: Middle Grades
FOR INTERVIEWS
Contact Grant Overstake
Contact Dr. Melissa White