Second Edition
Fiction · Middle Grade to Young YA
Grades 5–8
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon
Where grief meets grit, and one brave leap changes everything
Built for Battle of the Books, classroom discussion, and readers ready to rise
"A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life." --KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will enjoy this warm, uplifting story!"
— Christine Brennan, Author of On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports
When Maggie Steele loses her older brother, the future narrows around her. Life on her family’s wheat farm keeps moving, but Maggie feels caught between grief, expectation, and self-doubt—until until she discovers an unlikely way forward in the daring, high-flying sport of pole vault.
What begins as escape becomes transformation. As Maggie learns to trust her strength, face fear, and push beyond the limits others place on her, the crossbar becomes more than a mark of progress. It becomes the line between the life she has known and the person she is becoming.
"That one in a thousand books you'll carry with you forever!"
— Margaret W., Age 16, Florida
Now in its enhanced Second Edition, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is an inspiring, page-turning novel for middle grade and young teen readers, and the young at heart. It is a strong fit for independent Summer reading, classroom read-alongs, and creating family conversations.
Previously selected for the Wichita Diocese Catholic Schools Battle of the Books, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a discussion-friendly story about grief, grit, healing, family, and the courage to keep reaching higher.
With a foreword by Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, discussion questions by Dr. Melissa I. White, and a beautifully performed audiobook narrated by Emmy Award-winning Tavia Gilbert, this enhanced edition is a strong choice for classrooms, Summer Reading Lists, Battle of the Books Lists, and immersive read-and-listen experiences.
"It's nice to know that someone is writing books for our YA that aren't filled with rough language or sexual references but still have enough intrigue and action to keep students reading. Thank you for providing such a book."
— Lisa Hinson, Resurrection Catholic School librarian and curator of the Wichita Diocese Battle of the Books list
Grain Valley Publishing is an independent press committed to stories that support empathy, resilience, and thoughtful dialogue. We provide narrative resources that complement Catholic education, offering meaningful books and audio experiences for schools, families, and reading communities.