Kansas-born novelist Grant Overstake will join educators from across the state at the Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) Fall Conference, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Wichita.

Known for his novels The Real Education of TJ Crowley and Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, Overstake’s work embodies the 2024 conference theme, “Voices from Our Backyard,” bringing Kansas history and values to life in ways that resonate with today’s students. Visitors to his booth can discuss ways to integrate his novels into curricula, gather educational resources, and enter giveaways for copies of his books and audiobooks.

"I’m looking forward to meeting English teachers from across the state to discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing Kansas authors and their stories to Kansas students, who will benefit so much from the experience," Overstake said.

A product of Wichita public schools, Overstake began his writing career as a teenager at The Wichita Eagle. He later studied journalism at the University of Kansas, where he earned the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Award, regarded as the college version of the Pulitzer Prize. Overstake’s early accomplishments led him to a Staff Writer position at The Miami Herald, where he established himself as a versatile talent in all aspects of journalism.

Returning to Kansas, Overstake focused on writing rural Kansas stories as a weekly newspaper editor. His work earned awards from the Kansas Press Association and Kansas Farm Bureau for its authentic portrayal of rural life and farming issues. This commitment to honest, grounded storytelling continues to shape his novels, which reflect Kansas’s cultural heritage and explore universal themes of resilience, empathy, and social justice.

Transforming Kansas Classrooms with Literature Rooted in Kansas Life

As founder of Grain Valley Publishing Company, Overstake’s novels provide a homegrown resource for Kansas classrooms, combining historically grounded narratives with themes that promote empathy and social understanding. Named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club, The Real Education of TJ Crowley—set in 1968 Wichita during the Civil Rights Movement—invites students to explore issues of race and privilege through the eyes of a young boy confronting inherited prejudices. The novel’s full-cast audio drama offers an immersive experience, enabling teachers to approach complex social themes in an engaging, accessible way.

Selected as a “Teachers’ pick” on Amazon, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is aimed at middle-grade readers and tells the story of a Kansas farm girl who finds healing through the sport of pole vaulting after personal tragedy.

Recognized by USA Today columnist Christine Brennan for highlighting Title IX challenges and gender equity, Maggie’s journey mirrors the resilience of Kansas communities and serves as a platform for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) discussions. Overstake’s work aligns closely with the 2023 Kansas English Language Arts Standards, emphasizing diverse perspectives, literacy as a tool for empathy, and the power of local narratives to connect with students.

Audio Drama Brings TJ Crowley to Life

The new audio drama The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline brings Overstake’s novel to life through a full-cast performance that immerses listeners. Produced in collaboration with acclaimed director and producer May Wuthrich, the audio drama has earned the prestigious Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine, a testament to its excellence in audio production. The audio drama serves as an engaging tool that aligns with Kansas’s ELA standards, promoting critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of complex social themes.

Adding further depth to Overstake’s work, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is also available in an audiobook format narrated by celebrated performer Tavia Gilbert. Known for her engaging voice work, Gilbert draws listeners into the rural Kansas setting. The audiobook offers an accessible way for students to connect with Maggie’s story, especially those who benefit from audio learning.

Both audiobooks not only enhance student engagement but also fulfill Kansas standards for literacy by providing diverse, multimodal learning experiences that bring essential themes of social justice, resilience, and Kansas heritage to life.

Meet Grant Overstake at the KATE Conference

At KATE 2024, educators have a unique opportunity to connect with Grant Overstake and discover how Kansas-centered literature can enrich their classrooms. Stop by his booth to explore curriculum ideas, pick up valuable teaching resources, and sign up for exclusive giveaways, including free downloads of his audiobooks and copies of his novels. Don’t miss this chance to bring powerful, locally-rooted stories into your students’ lives!

About Grant Overstake

Grant Overstake is an author, publisher, and teaching artist whose work with Arts Partners, StoryTime Village, and the Kansas State Young Writers’ Workshop has empowered students across Kansas to connect with literature and develop their own voices. His programs not only inspire creativity but also align with Kansas ELA standards by emphasizing literacy, diverse perspectives, and personal narrative.

For more information visit Grain Valley Publishing or connect with Grant at KATE 2024.