"That one in a thousand books you'll carry with you forever!" --Margaret Wheatley, 16, Florida

"Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story." --Christine Brennan, USA TODAY sports columnist and best-selling author

"An inspirational pick for young adult fiction collections." --MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

"A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life." --KIRKUS REVIEWS

"One of the most pure and wholesome young adult books I've ever read, appropriate for 4th grade and up." --Shannon Clark, Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador

"The positive influence this book can have on young athletes is invaluable." --Erica (Bartolina) Fraley, US Olympian, Coach of Champions

"I myself experienced loss when I was a young girl. Sports were my outlet and helped me through some of the hardest times of my life. This book captured me cover to cover. I highly recommend it." --Becky Holliday, US Olympian

"I enthusiastically recommend it!" --Barbara Gruener, National School of Character Coach

"I loved the book and wish I had written it." --Kimbrook Tennal, Hall of Fame High School Coach

"I highly recommend it for all teens, especially those seeking direction during the storm and stress of adolescence." --Timothy M. Tays, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

"A well-written tale of epic courage." --Kim Ring, Middle School Teacher

"A beautiful story of triumph through adversity." --Bill Vogrin, COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

"Will translate to anyone who allows themselves to be young at heart." --John Rinkenbaugh, TV Producer, Former Kansas Boy

"A magical story written through the eyes of a teen." --Mark Miranda, Sports Dad

"The world needs more Maggies!" --Jolene Frook, Sports Mom

In this debut young adult novel, a farm girl rebounds after a family tragedy, soaring to new heights as a pole-vaulter. Teenager Maggie Steele has just lost her brother Alex in a tragic car accident. He was a beloved son and brother and also an all-star high school athlete in a small Kansas town where high school sports matter. Maggie is reminded each day of her brother, and she struggles to cope with life on the farm without him. She's the only child left to take over the family business, and she has a sinking feeling she'll be trapped there forever. As she begins her senior year, she still suffers from grief and anxiety about what to do with the rest of her life. When it appears that she'll never be able to get over these difficulties, she begins talking to her deceased brother; to her surprise, his voice answers her. Alex's voice guides her to take up pole vaulting, and he coaches her on how to be the very best at it. Through his coaching, Maggie finds her purpose. Overstake's novel exudes sweetness; in some ways, it feels as if it takes place in another era, as it lacks the dark edge seen in other popular YA stories. Former sportswriter Overstake's crisp style also gives the pole-vaulting scenes authenticity and tension. The story will most likely engage younger teenage girls, but its themes will resonate with anyone who has suffered profound loss. A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life.