Maggie Vaults Over the Moon
A Journey of Grit, Grace, and the Soaring Human Spirit
ABOUT THE STORY
After a sudden loss on her family’s Kansas farm, Maggie Steele is left searching for footing in a world that no longer feels steady. What begins as escape through the unlikely sport of pole vaulting becomes something deeper: a path toward resilience, self-mastery, and renewal.
As Maggie learns to face fear, trust her strength, and persevere through failure, the crossbar becomes more than a measure of progress. It becomes a quiet threshold between grief and growth, between the life she has known and the person she is called to become.
Now in its enhanced Second Edition, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a discussion-rich novel for young readers that explores grief, perseverance, family, and the formation of character. Grounded in authentic athletic experience and shaped by a redemptive emotional arc, it offers educators a values-forward story that invites reflection without sacrificing narrative momentum.
The edition includes a foreword by Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi, discussion questions by Dr. Melissa I. White, and a fully produced audiobook narrated by Emmy Award–winning Tavia Gilbert.
WHY THIS STORY FOR CATHOLIC STUDENT READERS
Theological Realism
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon approaches loss with honesty and restraint. Rather than offering quick resolution, it presents grief as something lived through over time. The discipline of sport becomes a constructive path forward, shaping perseverance, humility, and interior strength without diminishing the reality of suffering.
Female Athletic Formation
In a literary space where authentic stories of female athletes remain limited, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon offers a grounded and credible model of growth. Her journey reflects the integration of body, mind, and character, showing how physical discipline can support emotional maturity and personal formation.
A Trusted Classroom Choice
Selected for the Wichita Diocese Catholic Schools Battle of the Books, the novel has been recognized by educators and librarians as a discussion-rich, classroom-ready text. It provides meaningful engagement without concerns about language or content, making it a reliable choice for Catholic school settings.
Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy Grant Overstake's warm, uplifting story. After reading it, we'll all wish we were pole vaulters like Maggie.
Christine Brennan, USA TODAY columnist and best-selling author of On Her Game
"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 Hinton, Resurrection Catholic School librarian and curator of the Wichita Diocese Battle of the Books List
Celebrating its 14th year, Grain Valley Publishing is committed to stories that support empathy, resilience, and thoughtful dialogue. We provide resources that complement Catholic education, offering meaningful books and audio experiences for schools, families, and reading communities.
