Kansas Author Grant Overstake to Present at National Rural Library Conference
Grant Overstake will read from his novels at the national Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference.
WICHITA, Kan. (GVP) — Author Grant Overstake has been chosen to take part in the Author Fest presentation at the 2023 Association for Rural & Small Libraries National Conference. This exciting event, hosted by the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and co-sponsored by Watermark Books in Wichita, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 23rd.
Overstake’s novels have been best-sellers at the Midwest’s premier bookstore, Watermark Books & Cafe, co-sponsor of the conference.
Promoting the growth and development of libraries in rural and small communities, the annual conference will provide practical insights to attendees that can be implemented directly in their libraries. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that libraries in rural and small communities have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
"I'm deeply honored to have been invited to read at the Author Fest,” Overstake said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to present my stories to conference attendees from across the nation who act as the lifeline of literature for their readers in small-town, rural America."
Deeply rooted in the Sunflower State, Overstake’s novels resonate with readers of all ages. His award-winning stories, set in the heartland and his hometown of Wichita, are excellent additions to rural library collections.
Specifically, his novels have been recognized for their themes of teenage resilience and perseverance, which will be the focus of his presentation.
"Maggie Vaults Over the Moon": A Tale of Dreams and Resilience
A re-release of his popular "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon," tells the story of high school senior Maggie Steele as she faces the difficult decision of pursuing her dreams or staying home to save her family's farm. This track-and-field novel, praised as one of the best in its genre, captures the sport of pole-vaulting and is perfect for fueling Olympic fervor ahead of the 2024 Games. With a foreword by Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi and chapter questions by Dr. Melissa White, it's an ideal classroom reader for tweens and teens, especially sports-minded girls. The novel has been praised for its authentic portrayal of rural life and has resonated with readers from all walks of life.
A novel for all ages, “Maggie” has become a favorite classroom reader for middle school classrooms.
"The Real Education of TJ Crowley": Unveiling Wichita's Civil Rights Struggles
Overstake's second novel, "The Real Education of TJ Crowley," captures the pulse of civil rights struggles during the late 1960s in Wichita. This historical YA fiction, named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors’ Club, follows TJ Crowley's racial awakening amidst racial integration at his school and in his neighborhood. Selected for the Candid Conversations on Race Book Club by the Wichita Public Library, this novel fosters meaningful dialogue and offers an invaluable opportunity for reflection and empathy.
An experienced teaching artist, Overstake has presented workshops and assemblies to thousands of students in Wichita schools, and enjoys presenting author visits to classrooms and libraries across the nation.
He will be joining a group of esteemed authors, including Jenn Bailey, Megan Bannen, K.L. Barron, Traci Brimhall, and Catherine Browder, at the ARSL Author Fest. Non-attendees can still enjoy Overstake's novels, available for purchase at Watermark Books and other retailers nationwide.
