Review by Booklist Review
In ancient Corinth, a father abandoned his newborn daughter in the marketplace, a common practice for parents who didn't want the cost of raising a girl. An Athenian slave saw the baby and, thinking she would be of eventual use, took her home to his master, Milos, an Olympic champion. The baby from Corinth grows into a strong, tall, quiet girl who works all day and sleeps in the stables at night. One day Milos sees the Corinthian slave playing with his youngest son and, struck by her agility and speed, starts training her as an athlete for the Heraean Games, a woman-only event held every four years. Once the games start, the Corinthian girl triumphs at every event, prompting Milos to announce to the cheering crowds that, henceforth, she will be his adoptive daughter, Chloris. This Olympian Cinderella story, featuring fictional characters but based on historic fact, smoothly unfolds like a myth, helped along by detailed illustrations that evoke facial features, expressions, and stances seen in classical sculpture and art. Final pages describe the Heraean Games and explain to readers how an enslaved person in ancient Greece really could have become an Olympic champion. This attractive offering is informative, entertaining, and inspiring.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"There once was a girl who was given no name," this picture book opens. Rather than claiming his infant daughter and giving her a name, a father abandons her in a marketplace. An elderly slave from Athens brings her home and raises her with the rest of the household slaves. Known as the Corinthian girl, she grows tall, shy, and strong. One day the master of the house, an Olympic athlete, spots his son playing with the girl. He is struck by her balance and speed and forms a plan. He's determined to have her compete in the Heraean Games, an athletic contest for girls and women. With the spirit of a Spartan, she trains day and night, becoming faster, quicker, and stronger. When she finally competes, her strength and determination push her ahead of everyone, and all those gathered cheer. She brings such honor to her master that he names her Chloris and adopts her as his daughter. This fictionalized tale of a Heraean athlete celebrates a young girl's athletic ability while authentically detailing what her life may have been like. Balit's double-page watercolor illustrations use intricate patterns, stylized figuring, and bold colors to enhance the narrative and successfully immerse readers in ancient Greek life. A closing note details the origins of the Heraean Games as reported by Greek writer Pausanias while also acknowledging the scant written record. All characters present White. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An exquisitely illustrated story that depicts a little-known piece of history. (Historical fiction. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
