Meet Grant Overstake
Grant Overstake is an award-winning author and producer whose stories bridge generations through powerful themes of resilience, justice, and transformation.
A former sportswriter for the Miami Herald and All-America decathlete at the University of Kansas, Overstake began his journalism career at the Wichita Eagle at age 18. His firsthand experiences in racially segregated Wichita, combined with a deep understanding of sports and human struggle, shape his distinctive storytelling style.
His debut novel, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, follows a Kansas farm girl who turns to pole vaulting to overcome grief. Praised by Kirkus Reviews and Citius Mag, the book became a celebrated classroom reader, with a foreword by Olympic gold medalist Katerina Stefanidi.
His most acclaimed work, The Real Education of TJ Crowley, is set in 1968 Wichita and was inspired by Overstake’s own childhood during school integration and racial upheaval. The novel was named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club and was adapted into a full-cast audio drama featuring performances by a national cast and the ARISE Ensemble.
The production earned an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine and won the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook, placing Overstake’s work alongside the best in the industry.
As an author and teaching artist, Grant has inspired thousands of students through writing workshops and school assemblies focused on resilience and grit.
Grant and Claire Overstake
Teaching Artist
Beyond his writing career, Overstake has also dedicated himself to teaching and community service. As a teaching artist, he has presented writing workshops and school assemblies on resilience and grit to thousands of students.
Master’s Athletes
A lifelong athlete, Overstake continues to compete in masters athletics, alongside his wife, Claire, winning multiple awards at state and national levels. Together, they were honored with the "Couples Spirit Award" at the 2020 Virtual Worldwide Masters Athletic Challenge Championships.
ARISE Ensemble
Grant and Claire are also active members of the ARISE Ensemble, a multicultural choir promoting racial harmony and preserving the legacy of negro spirituals. The choir was founded by Josephine Brown, whose family inspired The Real Education of TJ Crowley.