Christmas cheer may be an elusive emotion for some teens and grownups this holiday season. Tidings of comfort and joy can ring hollow for those who’ve suffered a recent tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one in their lives.

Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a new novel that retells the story of Maggie Steele, a farm girl from tiny Grain Valley, Kansas, who suffers a major tragedy and then pours her broken heart into pole-vaulting.  Written by Grant Overstake, the story chronicles Maggie’s difficult, painful rise to a brighter, hopeful future.

Kirkus Reviews calls Maggie, “A fine YA [young adult] novel about perseverance in sports and in life… Its themes will resonate with anyone who has suffered profound loss.”

The struggle to overcome is the driving force in  Maggie Vaults Over the Moon. To help make the story a true source of hope and healing, the author asked a hospital chaplain and pastor to provide the character Grandma with just the right words help Maggie through the grief process.

According to the Rev. Tim Lytle, Maggie’s story is “the story of all of us.” Continue Reading →