English Teachers to Discover Essential Kansas Stories at KATE Conference This Weekend

This weekend, Kansas educators gather at the Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) Conference to celebrate how local stories can transform education.

The two-day conference, titled "Voices from Our Backyard," will be held at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Wichita, with keynote speakers Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall and educator Jason D. DeHart.

Grant Overstake’s Young Adult novels are set in Kansas.

Throughout the event, Kansas poets and authors—including Grant Overstake, author of Maggie Vaults Over the Moon and The Real Education of TJ Crowley—are eager to connect with teachers looking for engaging Young Adult literature and audio dramas to enrich their classrooms.

"I'm thrilled to be part of this year's KATE Conference," Overstake shared. "Connecting with dedicated educators who shape young minds across Kansas is an honor. Sharing our stories helps students feel a deeper sense of community and identity. I can't wait to discuss how my novels and audiobooks can inspire resilience, empathy, and a strong connection to the places they call home."

At his booth, educators will find resources, explore curriculum-ready stories, and enter giveaways for books and audiobooks. They can also learn how these immersive stories align with educational goals. Overstake's works, along with other local literature, are available at Watermark Books & Café, giving Kansas teachers the chance to bring these rich stories into their classrooms.

Grant Overstake: Making Kansas Stories Come Alive for Students

With a focus on empowering young writers, Overstake’s contributions have made a lasting impact in Kansas classrooms, encouraging students to see the power of their own stories.

Overstake, a Kansas native, writes stories that are both authentic and inspiring. His novels explore real-world challenges against familiar Kansas landscapes, connecting young readers to characters and places they recognize, and adding depth to their learning experience.

As a teaching artist with Arts Partners, StoryTime Village, and the Kansas State Young Writers’ Workshop, Overstake has inspired and empowered students across Kansas. His programs align with Kansas English Language Arts (ELA) standards by focusing on literacy, diverse perspectives, and the power of personal storytelling.

Stories That Resonate and Engage

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon: A Journey of Resilience

In Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, Kansas high schooler Maggie Steele faces personal loss and turns to pole vaulting to regain her strength. Her journey showcases resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of her community, all set in the fictional Grain Valley, a story that captures the heart of Midwestern life.

For English teachers seeking immersive stories:

  • Engaging Character Development: Analyze Maggie's growth and motivations (RL.8.3).

  • Rich Cultural Setting: Explore how the Kansas backdrop shapes the narrative (RL.7.6).

  • Themes of Perseverance: Discuss overcoming adversity and finding purpose, sparking meaningful social and emotional learning.

The novel has received critical acclaim as a powerful YA story on resilience, sports, and social justice, with praise from CITIUS MAG, KIRKUS Reviews, and USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: A Journey Toward Understanding

Set during the Civil Rights era, The Real Education of TJ Crowley explores themes of identity, growth, and social awareness. Young TJ Crowley’s journey challenges his views and leads to a deeper understanding of the world around him in 1960s America.

This novel serves as a valuable tool for educators:

  • Historical Context: Meets standards for analyzing historical settings and societal changes (RL.11-12.9), providing a pathway to meaningful discussions about the Civil Rights movement.

  • Critical Thinking: TJ’s experiences encourage students to examine social issues and develop empathy.

  • Cultural Understanding: The story opens a platform for exploring relationships and dialogues within a pivotal era (RL.9-10.5).

Inspired by Overstake's experiences growing up in Wichita during the Civil Rights movement, the novel has earned honors, including Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club and National Book of the Month by Bookclubs.com.

Audiobooks: Bringing Stories to Life

The TJ Crowley audio drama includes a stellar cast, led by Dani Martineck (they, them) as TJ Crowley, upper left.

Both novels are available as audiobooks, offering an immersive experience for students:

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is narrated by Audie Award-winner Tavia Gilbert, who vividly brings the rural Kansas setting to life.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline features a full-cast audio drama, co-written by Overstake and producer-director May Wuthrich. This release has been honored with the Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine, making it a standout in the audiobook realm.

Bringing These Stories to Your Classroom

Even if you can’t attend the KATE Conference, Overstake's novels and audiobooks are easy to incorporate into any curriculum. For more information or to connect with Grant Overstake, visit Grain Valley Publishing.

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