Twist, Tumble, Triumph

This picture book biography of gymnast Ágnes Keleti tells the story of the Hungarian champion who was training for the Olympics when World War two could have put a halt to her aspirations. When Jews were no longer allowed at the gym, she trained in secret. As the war progressed, she went into hiding. But she never gave up on becoming an Olympian. Authors Cohen and Olitzky have told her story in clear concise language. It tells the truth of the war in a way appropriate for young readers. The illustrations by Martina Peluso follow the same realistic tone. Although the story ends when Keleti won her first Olympic championship in 1952, the afterward points out that she won again in 1956 and eventually started an Olympics program in Israel. It includes photographs of the gymnast on the uneven bars and a photo of her at the age of 95 still teaching youngsters. This book, with its message of perseverance, would provide inspiration to any young athlete. It would also provide a mirror or window for any youngster who is interested in world war two or who loves to read biographies.

A Hungarian girl who is Jewish is not allowed to practice with her Olympics gymnastics team. She overcomes all odds, survives World War II, and practices until she is finally able to compete in the Olympics and win gold!

This was such a great story. It starts off as though it's just a typical kids book about a gymnast, but quickly turns into a true story about a Hungarian gymnast who is Jewish. She helps some of her family get to safety as well as herself. Even though she loses her father, she comes back to gymnastics and prevails.

Ágnes Keleti was already the Hungarian National Champion in gymnastics when the Germans invaded Hungary and began restricting all Jews and taking Jews by train to the camps. Father would not leave willingly, so her mother and sister went to the Swiss for hiding while Agnes obtained papers from a Polish woman and went to serve as maid for a German sympathizer out in the country. When the battle moved to her, she left for Budapest and stayed in an underground shelter with others until the Allies came and liberated them. Agnes and friends put together a gymnasium and began their training once again. She earned the gold in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki and again in 1956 in Melbourne before moving and setting up a program in Israel.
The illustrations by Martina Peluso are fluid, detailed, and colorful. There are photos at the end.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 7 to 8) including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy in Adobe Digital Editions provided by Lerner Publishing Group | Kar-Ben Publishing ® via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Feb 04, 2025
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This book is fantastic! My daughter does dance and this book was a favorite for her. She loved it so much! It was absolutely darling. The illustrations were beautiful.

Wow, I freaking love this book!!! Even though this book was on the longer side for a children's book, it didn't feel that way at all. What I mean by this is it was so interesting, captivating, and entertaining that time flew while reading. I think that this is partly due to the writing style in conjunction with the illustrations. The sentences were simple, yet still highly informative. This is perfect for young readers of a range of ages (I would say 3-8, depending on reading level). As for the illustrations, they were minimalistic in a way, but that worked well for this book. Due to the density in information, keeping the images straightforward was a very smart decision. Lastly, the real pictures and blurb at the end of the story topped off this book nicely. I know for sure that Ágnes Keleti's story, told perfectly through writing and illustrations in this book, will inspire young gymnasts around the world.
Bravo!