#104: Maggie Vaults Over the Moon

Today we welcome author Grant Overstake and sports psychologist Dr. Melissa White to the podcast to talk about the book Maggie Jumps Over the Moon. We learn Grant's motivation to write a Young Adult novel where the hero (Maggie Steele) utilizes the sport of pole vaulting in a quest for Kansas State meet glory to help her overcome a personal tragedy. Dr. White provides an educational aspect on how the book has helped her with her high school coaching duties. And finally we learn about an exciting time for Maggie Vaults Over the Moon as it republishes on June 1st as a specific educational tool for teachers around the world.

To register for the Maggie Vaults Over the Moon June 1 launch:
https://www.watermarkbooks.com/event/grant-overstake-virtual-event

About author Grant Overstake:

Grant Overstake has written two novels on important themes for young people. His premier novel, Maggie Vaults Over the Moon (2012), was cheered by Kirkus Reviews as a “Fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.” Grant discovered his passion for writing as a youngster, reading sports novels by Matt Christopher hidden in his math book, and later by studying the brilliant feature stories in Sports Illustrated. His independent publishing company, Grain Valley Publishing, produces award-winning books with project teams of freelance editors and designers working virtually from around the nation. Grant's website www.grantoverstake.com.

About Dr. Melissa White:

White, a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher, mental performance consultant, and high school track coach. Like the hero Maggie Steele, Melissa was the first female pole vaulter at her high school, and she set a school record that lasted for ten years. During her senior year she also qualified for the inaugural women’s pole vault event at the Pennsylvania State Track Meet. She went on to vault and throw javelin at Bethany College (WV) during her undergraduate schooling. She was the first female vaulter there as well and won her conference three times. Today, “Doctor Coach White” uses Maggie Vaults Over the Moon to help motivate champion pole-vaulters and javelin throwers at Hempfield Area High School in Western Pennsylvania. She’s also the mental performance coach for the school’s varsity football team. Her counseling service, Performance Edge Consulting, helps athletes from beginners to professionals across the nation gain the mental edge to perform their best. To learn more about Dr. White’s sport counseling service and download a free goal-setting worksheet, visit performanceedgeconsulting.org