Soaring with Maggie: A Story of Grief, Grit, and Finding Hope Again
By Grain Valley Publishing
In Maggie Vaults Over the Moon we follow Maggie Steele, a high school senior living on a Kansas farm—who’s trying to make sense of life after a heartbreaking loss. When her older brother and boyfriend are killed in a car accident, Maggie is left grieving and overwhelmed. Her world, once full of laughter and routine, becomes heavy with sadness and responsibility.
A Story of Loss and Lift-Off
But amid the grief, something unexpected happens. Maggie discovers an old bamboo pole in the barn, and with it, a new way to process her pain: pole vaulting.
This second edition of the beloved story includes a foreword by Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi and chapter discussion questions created especially for young readers by Dr. Melissa I. White, above, a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.
This beautifully told story takes us deep into the heart of rural America, where family farms still matter and neighbors show up when it counts. It’s about the tough choices young people have to make when life doesn’t go according to plan. But most of all, it’s about how strength can come from the most surprising places—even a dusty barn and a forgotten sport.
Recognized as one of the great track and field novels of all time by CITIUS MAG, the story of a gritty Kansas farm girl's quest to master the daring sport of pole-vaulting has stirred the hopes and dreams of readers around the world.
“A fine YA story about perserverance in sports and in life.”
This second edition of the beloved story includes a foreword by Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi and chapter discussion questions created especially for young readers by Dr. Melissa I. White, a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology.
📚 A Powerful Pick for Classrooms, Book Clubs, and Families
Inspires Young Athletes: If you have a sports enthusiast in your life, Maggie’s story of dedication and athletic triumph is pure gold.
Encourages Resilience: This story helps kids and teens understand that setbacks can be setups for comebacks.
Perfect for Ages 13+: A relatable and uplifting read for young adults and adults who love empowering narratives.
Empowerment and Growth: Themes of personal growth, perseverance, and following your dreams – a perfect message for the new year.
Small-Town Magic: Set in rural Kansas, the story is filled with heart, community, and the power of chasing big dreams from small places.
Written with care and emotional honesty, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a meaningful read for teens, parents, and educators alike. It deals with serious topics—like loss, grief, and healing—but it does so with grace, warmth, and hope.
“Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story. ”
Teachers will appreciate the book’s layered characters, relatable small-town setting, and real-life challenges that spark great classroom discussions. Parents will find a story that’s age-appropriate but emotionally rich, offering strong role models, especially for girls navigating identity, ambition, and emotion.
Maggie isn’t a superhero. She doesn’t have magic powers. She’s just a girl trying to keep her family’s farm running, manage school, and deal with loss. But when she takes up pole vaulting, her story becomes one of courage and quiet triumph.
🎧 The Audiobook: Grief You Can Hear, Hope You Can Feel
Tavia Gilbert brings Maggie’s story to life in the audiobook, her powerful narration capturing every heartbreak, triumph, and thrilling pole vault.
For those who prefer to listen, the audiobook version—narrated by Tavia Gilbert—adds even more depth. Gilbert’s performance is emotional and nuanced, capturing Maggie’s heartbreak and healing with powerful voice work. The action scenes—especially the pole vaulting—are surprisingly thrilling to hear, thanks to the rhythm and pacing of Gilbert’s narration.
It’s a great option for reluctant readers or families looking for a shared listening experience that opens the door to important conversations.
🌱 Why It Matters
Whether you’re holding the book in your hands, reading on your device, or listening to Tavia Gilbert’s unforgettable performance, this journey will stay with you long after the final chapter. Available now wherever books, ebooks, and audiobooks are sold.
We often talk about representation in books—but that should include rural kids too. Maggie’s story honors the realities of life on the farm, the pride of small-town athletics, and the complexity of growing up where your future might depend on crops, chores, and courage.
In Maggie, readers will find a role model who isn’t perfect—but who keeps showing up. Her journey reminds us that it’s okay to feel broken for a while. That hope doesn’t erase pain—it grows alongside it. And sometimes, taking one brave leap is all it takes to begin healing.
🧾 About this Article
This article was written and published by Grain Valley Publishing as part of our mission to share stories that build empathy, foster emotional intelligence, and reflect the lived experiences of all young readers—rural voices included.