Maggie's Favorites Aim for Gold in Paris!
As the world turns its eyes to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, witness the inspiring stories of resilience and determination in the women's pole vault event, featuring athletes connected to the celebrated novel Maggie Vaults Over the Moon.
As the women's pole vault event unfolds on Wednesday, August 7th, in Paris, the world will be focused on the iconic purple runway, where the sport's finest will take to the sky, vying for Olympic glory.
Among them are Katerina Stefanidi of Greece and Bridget Williams of the USA, two exceptional athletes whose stories are deeply connected to the inspiring young adult novel Maggie Vaults Over the Moon by Grant Overstake. This novel, celebrated for its positive message for tweens and teens, is a gold-medal favorite that embodies themes of resilience and determination. It has inspired countless young athletes and readers, serving as a powerful beacon of hope and motivation.
Katerina’s brilliant athletics career has been one of overcoming challenges and injuries, but includes multiple world championships and an Olympic Gold Medal from the Rio 2016 games. Bridget’s growing success is a testament to the power of perseverance—a theme central to Maggie Vaults Over the Moon.
Dr. White’s relationship with Williams exemplifies the mentor-athlete bond depicted in the novel. Williams credits her success to the lessons and inspiration she gained from her high school coach.
Stefanidi wrote the powerful foreword to the novel. The chapter discussion questions were created by Dr. Melissa White, focusing on themes of perseverance, resilience, and mental health, making the book an excellent tool for young athletes facing their own challenges.
“This warm uplifting story will resonate deeply with girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them.” — Christine Brennan, Olympics Commentator and Columnist for USA TODAY
A role model for young people around the world, Katerina Stefanidi, the Olympic champion from Rio 2016, placed 2nd in the European Championships and is vaulting in peak form.
At 34, Stefanidi is regarded as the greatest female athlete in Greek sports history and has the distinction of being the first pole vaulter to win five European medals. Her foreword in which she shares personally about her challenges in the sport, mirrors Maggie's struggles, adding depth to the novel’s message of perseverance. Katerina placed 2nd in the recent European Championships and is vaulting in peak form going into Wednesday’s final.
Dr. White coached Bridget to state championships in Pennsylvania, where her rallying cry, “It’s a great day to vault!” became a mantra for her athletes. This attitude mirrors the inspirational spirit of Maggie Steele, the fictional heroine who has become a storybook icon for the sport.
“The World Needs More Maggies!” – Joline Frook, Sports Mom
Bridget Williams won the U.S Olympic Team Trials on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Eugene, Ore., capturing her first national title and Olympic berth. (Credit DyesSat photo)
Acclaim from Readers and Critics
The novel has received praise from critics and readers alike. Mary R. Lanni, a library media specialist, calls it “perfectly designed as a classroom read,” while Kirkus Reviews describes it as “a fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” CITIUS Mag hails it as one of the top track and field novels of all time.
“A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
Perfect for Classrooms and SEL Activities
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is an ideal read-aloud book for middle school language arts classes or as a supplement to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities. It helps students learn to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Dr. Melissa White: Mentor and Coach
Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts (ELA) Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology, extends her coaching services to athletes everywhere through her Performance Edge Consulting practice.
Bridget Williams' Journey to the Olympics
Williams' journey to the Olympics highlights the positive influence of Dr. White, who taught her how to pole vault and coached her at Hempfield High School to the gold medal platform at the Pennsylvania State Championships.
Bridget continued her athletic career at the University of Virginia under the guidance of acclaimed coach Bob Phillips. As a professional athlete, she made the USA’s world championship team last year. At the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June, Williams, 28, amazed the crowd by successfully completing her first five attempts. Her flawless performance allowed her to edge out second-place finisher Katie Moon on fewer misses, with newcomer Brynn King capturing third place and rounding out the American squad.
Highest and Best
We hope all the vaulters achieve their highest and best performances on Wednesday, and we would be over the moon if Katerina and Bridget found their way onto the awards platform, adding to their legacy as the greatest women athletes on the planet.
Get Your Copy Today!
Immerse yourself in the inspiring story of Maggie Steele, a determined high school farm girl who overcomes tragedy and small-town critics to excel in a daring and beautiful sport once considered too dangerous for girls. Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook, narrated by Audie Award-winner Tavia Gilbert, who brings Maggie's unforgettable journey to life.