‘Maggie Vaults Over the Moon’
When tragedy strikes the Steele Family Farm at harvest time, tearful Maggie finds herself grinding the gears of the giant grain truck, trying her best to replace her big brother, Alex, who died in a fiery car crash. If Maggie is going to escape her worst nightmare (being stuck on the farm forever), she’ll need to ignore small-town haters, brave painful setbacks, and defy the heavy pull of gravity itself. As the pole-vault crossbar is raised dangerously higher, her future is quite literally up in the air. Taking cues from the voice within, Maggie bravely launches herself skyward. When the bar is raised to a record-setting height at the state championship meet, can she find the courage it takes to soar into a brighter future of her own making?
Praised by KIRKUS REVIEWS as "a fine YA novel about perseverance," Maggie Vaults Over the Moon has now been reissued as a classroom reader, complete with thought-provoking discussion questions. These questions are specifically designed to help students reconnect and find solace in the power of a great story, especially during these times of social and emotional upheaval.
USA TODAY sports columnist and best-selling author, Christine Brennan says, "Girls who play sports and those who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm and uplifting tale." It's no wonder that this book has become a gold-medal favorite among tweens and teens, thanks to its positive message and timeless storytelling.
In this new edition, readers will also find an inspiring message from Olympic Pole Vault Champion Katerina Stefanidi. And not just that, but there are group discussion questions crafted by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology. With these additional features, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon becomes an inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections, as hailed by MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS.
VAULTER MAGAZINE describes this tale as an "inspiring celebration of turning tragedy into something positive" and emphasizes how determination and the pursuit of a sport can heal. The book is not only endorsed by school counselors and adolescent psychologists but also by Olympians themselves, who have purchased it in bulk to motivate their athletes.
Dr. White's discussion questions delve into important themes within the story, such as overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and performing at one's best when it matters most. These questions invite group discussions, fostering a sense of shared grief, community healing, and personal growth.
"Maggie Vaults Over the Moon" is not just a book; it's a tool for middle school language arts classes, as well as a valuable supplement for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities. With its empowering message and relatable characters, this book is highly recommended for all teens seeking guidance during the storm and stress of adolescence.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale of triumph and perseverance. Get your copy of "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon" now and let Maggie's inspiring journey resonate with you or someone you know.
“The World Needs More Maggies!” – Joline Frook, Sports Mom