Maggie Vaults Over the Moon - 2nd Edition by Grant Overstake (Paperback)

About the Book

A gritty farm girl overcomes tragedy and soars to new heights as a pole-vaulter. Foreword by Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi. Questions by Mental Performance Coach Dr. Melissa I. White.

Book Synopsis

Recognized as one of the greatest track and field novels of all time by Citius Mag, the story 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

This second edition of the beloved story by Grant Overstake includes a foreword by reigning Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi and chapter discussion questions created especially for young readers by Dr. Melissa I. White, a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.

"Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story." -- Christine Brennan, USA TODAY

When tragedy strikes the Steele Family Farm at harvest time, tearful Maggie finds herself grinding the gears of the giant grain truck, trying her best to replace her big brother, Alex, who died in a fiery car crash. If Maggie is going to escape her worst nightmare (being stuck on the farm forever), she'll need to ignore small-town haters, brave painful setbacks, and defy the heavy pull of gravity itself. As the pole-vault crossbar is raised dangerously higher, her future is quite literally up in the air. Taking cues from the voice within, Maggie bravely launches herself skyward. When the bar is raised to a record-setting height at the state championship meet, can she find the courage it takes to soar into a brighter future of her own making?

"Heartwarming and realistic, this book is a winner!" -- Nancy Julien Kopp, CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Former Miami Herald writer and newspaper editor Grant Overstake has written two award-winning novels, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, and The Real Education of TJ Crowley. Learn more at www.grantoverstake.com

Review Quotes

"That one in a thousand books you'll carry with you forever!" --Margaret Wheatley, 16, Florida

"Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story." --Christine Brennan, USA TODAY sports columnist and best-selling author

"An inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections." --MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

"A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life." --KIRKUS REVIEWS

"One of the most pure and wholesome young adult books I've ever read, appropriate for 4th grade and up." --Shannon Clark, Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador

"The positive influence this book can have on young athletes is invaluable." --Erica (Bartolina) Fraley, US Olympian, Coach of Champions

"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 it." --Becky Holliday, US Olympian

"I enthusiastically recommend it!" --Barbara Gruener, National School of Character Coach

"I loved the book and wish I had written it." --Kimbrook Tennal, Hall of Fame High School Coach

"I highly recommend it for all teens, especially those seeking direction during the storm and stress of adolescence." --Timothy M. Tays, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

"A well-written tale of epic courage." --Kim Ring, Middle School Teacher

"A beautiful story of triumph through adversity." --Bill Vogrin, COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

"Will translate to anyone who allows themselves to be young at heart." --John Rinkenbaugh, TV Producer, Former Kansas Boy

"A magical story written through the eyes of a teen." --Mark Miranda, Sports Dad

"The world needs more Maggies!" --Jolene Frook, Sports Mom