About Grain Valley Publishing
Stories That Matter, Crafted to Last
Grain Valley Publishing creates narrative work that stays with you — stories that shape how we think, how we feel, and how we understand one another. From award-winning novels to immersive audio dramas, our titles are built for deep engagement by readers, listeners, educators, and communities alike.
Our Purpose and Vision
At Grain Valley Publishing, we believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect people across experience, history, and difference. We publish books and audiobooks that invite reflection, conversation, and growth — narratives rooted in character, context, and human meaning.
Our Signature Works
The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline
A compelling coming-of-age story of conscience, courage, and moral awakening.
“The narrators’ splendid portrayals thoroughly engage listeners, bringing this richly layered coming-of-age story to life.” — AudioFile Magazine
A richly drawn coming-of-age narrative set in 1968 Wichita, this novel and its full-cast audio adaptation explore history, conscience, and community through the eyes of a young protagonist confronting his world and himself. The audio drama won the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook — the highest honor in the audiobook industry — and the Outstanding Audiobook of the Year from the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs).
An inspiring young adult novel that blends athletic determination with emotional depth.
“Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story.” — Christine Brennan, USA TODAY
“A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praised by Olympians, coaches, and readers, this coming-of-age novel blends the thrill of sport with personal transformation. It’s been called one of the strongest YA sports novels and continues to inspire readers and schools with its powerful message of courage and resilience.
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon captures the grit and grace of rural life — the rhythm of the harvest, the stakes of competition, the quiet determination in the face of challenge — in a way that resonates deeply not only in Kansas but wherever young people confront their own internal and external hurdles.
Beyond the Page: Audio Innovation
Our work bridges literature and audio storytelling. Grain Valley Publishing partners with top-tier producers and narrators to bring stories to life in ways that engage both imagination and emotion. TJ Crowley’s full-cast audio drama features an ensemble of 15 acclaimed performers and an immersive soundscape that listeners describe as “movie-like in the mind.” Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is performed brilliantly by Tavia Gilbert, a leading voice in the audiobook industry.
Narrative as Conversation and Learning
Our titles do more than engage readers — they also serve as tools for learning and conversation. The Real Education of TJ Crowley has been selected for classroom use and community discussions focused on history, justice, and moral complexity, and libraries, schools, and book clubs have added it to their collections for its power to spark meaningful dialogue. Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has inspired the “Don’t Quit, Use Grit!” school assemblies and workshops, encouraging students and teachers alike to explore perseverance, courage, and growth through storytelling.
Heartland Stories with Universal Reach
Grain Valley Publishing is rooted in the heartland of Kansas — a place where wide horizons, layered histories, and everyday courage shape the way stories are told and heard. Author Grant Overstake’s work reflects this sensibility: narratives born of Midwest experience that speak to readers, educators, and listeners from coast to coast. Having traveled widely and worked in diverse communities, Grant’s writing balances the specificity of place with universal questions of identity, conscience, and belonging.
“Overstake gets everything right about Kansas.” — Diane Wahto, Kansas Poet & Educator
From local inspiration to national engagement, our work reflects a commitment to narrative depth, human insight, and stories that travel with readers long after the last page is turned.
Join the Journey
Whether you are a dedicated reader, an educator seeking rich narrative material, a librarian curating impactful collections, or a partner interested in narrative-forward work, we welcome you to connect with us.