See what can happen when you follow your dreams!
Maggie Steele is a gritty farm girl from tiny Grain Valley, Kansas, who pours her broken heart into the daring, dangerous sport of pole-vaulting. Driven by a secret she cannot share with anyone, Maggie finds herself on a quest to soar far higher than critics think a girl should ever go. Unflinching in its exploration of teenage grief and filled with brilliant descriptions of a breathtaking, beautiful sport, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a powerful and rewarding story for middle-grade readers and adults.
About the Author :
Grant Overstake, author and former Miami Herald staff writer, has written two novels on important themes for young people. His premier novel, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, received widespread critical acclaim for its focus on grief and recovery from loss. The Real Education of TJ Crowley explores the thorny issue of race and relationships between students during the Civil Rights era.
Tavia Gilbert is a Grammy-nominated voice actor, an Odyssey Award-winning director, the narrator and director of more than 1000 audiobooks, and the writer and producer of multiple international award-winning podcasts. She has been awarded dozens of Earphones Awards, and she is a sixteen-time Audie Award finalist and a three-time Audie Award winner, including for Best Female Narrator. Her creative consulting and production company, Talkbox Productions, amplifies world changing voices through audio-first storytelling.
Review :
"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"
"A beautiful story of triumph through adversity."
-- "Bill Vogrin, newspaper columnist"
"A fantastic book! Well put together and very inspirational!"
-- "John Mayor, Olympic torchbearer and British champion"
"A great family book!"
-- "Joe Dial, coach, Oral Roberts University and Dial Athletics"
"A great story of perseverance, grit, faith, and bouncing back after hardships."
-- "Ellie Spain, British champion and coach"
"An inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections."
-- "Midwest Book Review"
"Comes along at the perfect time. Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story."
-- "USA Today"
"Every single person should be able to relate to Maggie."
-- "Jeremy Scott, US Olympic pole-vaulter"
"I highly recommend it for all teens, especially those seeking direction during the storm and stress of adolescence."
-- "Timothy M. Tays, PhD, clinical psychologist"
"I myself experienced loss when I was a young girl. Sports were my outlet and helped me through some of the hardest times of my life. This book captured me cover to cover. I highly recommend Maggie Vaults Over the Moon!"
-- "Becky Holliday, US Olympic pole-vaulter"
"Instantly transported me back to my childhood. Will translate to anyone who allows themselves to be young at heart."
-- "John Rinkenbaugh, television producer"
"Maggie's inspirational story will make any girl feel like they can accomplish their dreams."
-- "Taylor Marie Swanson, national collegiate champion"
"One of the most pure and wholesome young adult books I've ever read!"
-- "Shannon Clark, Girls Gone Sporty ambassador"
"Overstake's novel exudes sweetness; in some ways, it feels as if it takes place in another era, as it lacks the dark edge seen in other popular YA stories. Former sportswriter Overstake's crisp style also gives the pole-vaulting scenes authenticity and tension. The story will most likely engage younger teenage girls, but its themes will resonate with anyone who has suffered profound loss. A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Tavia Gilbert thoroughly conveys Maggie Steele's grief when her brother, Alex, dies in an accident. Gilbert beautifully delivers the detailed descriptions of Maggie's life at school and at home on her family's Kansas farm...Gilbert's splendid portrayals of Maggie's real-life coach, teammates, and parents...will thoroughly engage listeners."
-- "AudioFile"
"The positive influence this book can have on young athletes is incalculable."
-- "Erica Bartolina, US Olympic pole-vaulter"
