Maggie Vaults Over the Moon

by Grant Overstake
Published by Grant Overstake Books
Young Adult

Tavia Gilbert thoroughly conveys Maggie Steele’s grief when her brother, Alex, dies in an accident. Gilbert beautifully delivers the detailed descriptions of Maggie’s life at school and at home on her family’s Kansas farm. Most engaging is Gilbert’s portrayal of Maggie’s spirited grandmother, who offers her understanding and comfort. As Maggie helps her dad with harvesting, she decides to train as a pole-vaulter to cope with her sorrow. When she meets opposition because she’s female, her brother’s spirit (a voice in her head) trains and encourages her. Gilbert’s splendid portrayals of Maggie’s real-life coach, teammates, and parents, as well as the P.A. announcements at her school, will thoroughly engage listeners. AudioFile Magazine