GRAIN VALLEY, Kan. – There was quite a big commotion on Main Street in Grain Valley this afternoon, when, like a windblown prairie fire, rumor spread that Maggie Steele had been invited to appear on a nationally syndicated TV sports program.

Townsfolk wearing bib overalls and feed caps, and cool linen dresses, stopped their pickups in the middle of the street and got out to talk about it, creating a traffic jam of sorts in this tiny Kansas farm town with only one four-way stop sign.

Grant Overstake, author of the new teen sports novel, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, stopped by to say that the rumor was true; but he told his crestfallen characters that, although the invitation appeared to be genuine, Maggie wouldn’t be going on TV anytime soon.

Even so, everyone agreed the invitation was a another fine tribute to Maggie and everybody in Grain Valley who’d helped the wholesome and courageous fictional farm girl rebound after a family tragedy, and soar to new heights as a pole-vaulter.

After the commotion on Main Street, Overstake invited everyone to come down to the cafe, where he told the whole story over a glass of cold lemonade.

Townsfolk gathered at the cafe to hear about Maggie’s special invitation.

“It was one of the most amazing things that has happened to Maggie,” he smiled. “And for those who know her story, you know that’s really saying something.” Continue Reading →