Celebrating Kansas Voices: Grant Overstake at KATE 2024

The Drury Plaza Hotel will come alive with the voices and stories that define the State of Kansas, as members of the Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) gather for their annual Fall Conference this Friday and Saturday, November 1-2, in Wichita.

Grant Overstake’s Young Adult novels are set in Kansas.

Under the theme “Voices from Our Backyard”, the conference celebrates the transformative work of local authors, educators, and artists who shape the English Language Arts (ELA) field with authenticity and purpose.

Among these celebrated voices is Kansas-born author Grant Overstake, whose award-winning novels and audiobooks capture the heart of Kansas storytelling and offer invaluable resources for educators.

English teachers will have an opportunity to connect with Overstake, whose works bring together themes of social justice, historical insight, and the transformative power of storytelling.

“English teachers play an essential role in society, shaping how young people understand the world and find their voices,” Overstake said. “It’s an honor to be part of a conference that recognizes their dedication and impact.”

His books, The Real Education of TJ Crowley and Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, are widely praised for their authentic depictions of Kansas life and culture in the city and on the farm. Through his novels, Overstake offers educators and students a way to explore history and build empathy—one Kansas story at a time.

Both novels tell uniquely Kansas stories that resonate far beyond state borders, sparking essential conversations on social equity, resilience, and historical awareness. Conference attendees can look forward to special giveaways, including chances to win copies of his novels and audiobook downloads.

A Kansas Voice in Kansas Classrooms

Grant believes including Kansas voices in Kansas classrooms nurtures Kansas students' sense of identity and connection to their home state. His acclaimed novels provide teachers with an engaging, realistic fiction to discuss essential social themes relevant both locally and nationally.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley

The audio drama includes a stellar cast, led by Dani Martineck (they, them) as TJ Crowley, upper left.

Set in Wichita during the Civil Rights Movement, this award-winning historical novel—named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club—follows the journey of TJ, a white teenager confronting his family’s racial biases while coming to understand systemic injustices such as redlining.

Recommended for students in grades 8 through 12, Grant Overstake’s portrayal of 1960s America uses period-accurate language and events to offer a meaningful entry point for conversations around prejudice, privilege, and civic responsibility. TJ’s personal transformation provides a powerful framework for discussing the challenges and possibilities of social change.

A Wichita native, Overstake grew up along the city’s redline at the height of the Civil Rights era. Drawing from personal experience and historical context, he crafted a story that bridges the past and present—earning both critical acclaim and national recognition as a Book of the Month selection by Bookclubs.com.

A new full-cast audio drama, The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, co-written by the author and acclaimed producer director May Wuthrich, has been honored nationally with the Earphones Award for excellence from AudioFile Magazine, establishing this production as a standout in the audiobook industry.

Overstake will be on the lookout for teachers interested in bringing audio drama into their classrooms, exploring how this immersive format can deepen student engagement and bring Kansas stories to life in fresh, meaningful ways.

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon

A beloved story of resilience, optimism, and self-discovery perfect for mid-grades (5th to 8th), Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has been named one of the best Track & Field novels ever written by CITIUS MAG.

KIRKUS REVIEWS calls it “A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.”

This novel tells the inspiring story of Maggie Steele, a Kansas teenager who overcomes personal loss through the thrilling and demanding sport of pole-vaulting.

Set in the fictional farming community of Grain Valley, this novel reflects the resilience and determination that characterize Kansas life, where family bonds and community support are vital.

The story has also been lauded by USA Today’s Christine Brennan for spotlighting Title IX challenges and gender equity in sports.

First published in 2012, Maggie’s quest has inspired readers for over a decade. In 2021, the novel was re-released as a classroom reader, ideal for middle grade ELA and SEL activities. Adding authenticity to the timeless story, the new forward is penned by Olympic Champion vaulter Katerina Stefanidi, whose own journey is filled with relatable challenges.

At the end of each chapter, Dr. Melissa White, a mental performance coach and English Language Arts teacher, includes thought-provoking questions to encourage readers young and old to reflect on their personal journeys.

Teaching Artist and Author Grant Overstake helps Kansas’ students tell their own stories.

Overstake’s Educational Commitment

Beyond his authorship, Overstake has contributed to Kansas literacy as a Teaching Artist for Arts Partners and StoryTime Village, and in workshops with notable Kansas writers, including KATE 2024 keynote speaker Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall.

Overstake’s advocacy for literacy and education aligns seamlessly with this year’s conference theme, emphasizing the role of literature in fostering social justice and community values.

English teachers, don’t miss the chance to meet Grant Overstake at KATE 2024 and discover how his powerful Kansas narratives can add depth to your curriculum.

Learn more at www.grainvalleypublishing.com