Olympic Glow
- Book Review,
by Barbara Birenbaum
Author
Did you know for example, the torch did not become an official part of the ceremonies until the 1928 Summer Games in Amsterdam and wasn't added to the Winter Games until 1952, when skiers bore it to Oslo, Norway? Or that it wasn't carried by a woman until 1968, or that in 1992 the torch ignited a flaming arrow that was shot into the cauldron at the stadium in Barcelona. The significance of the five Olympic rings, the Olympic oath, references to Olympic events, how to carry and pass the torch and above all, the Olympic spirit and its message of good will, sportsmanship around the world - all are part of what Kindl learns in his odyssey. It is a timely book for youngsters. Ironically, despite being the author of the only children's book that focuses on the Olympic torch, Birenbaum was not selected as a bearer for the torch as it made its way to the Atlanta Games.
St. Petersburg Times Newspaper
A light read: Youth book shines on torch. His names is Kindl, he is a symbol of light and in The Olympic Glow he takes readers on a journey that tells the story of the Olympic torch and the Olympics themselves. He travels back in time to meet Zeus, the god of lighting, and the torchbearers of the Ancient Olympics in 776 BC and learns the origins of the Olympic torch. Then, traveling forward, he tells of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympics, and Dr. Karl Diem, inventor of the Olympic torch as we now know it and how it has evolved through the years.
Book Description
Kindl is a walking, talking symbol of light whose adventures are a blend of historical fact or legend. As Kindl meets events like Groundhog Day, of the symbolic Statue of Liberty and the Olympic torch, he comes away with a deeper understanding of their significance. It's almost as though Kindl is in search of trivia about the events as much as having a good time. These adventures follow the 3E's to Reading: Education, Entertainment and Enjoyment) with many books having music as well as stories based on events. The Olympic Glow finds Kindl meeting Olympic torchbearers to today. He travels back to the first Olympics of 776BC and goes forward to the beginning of the modern Olympics. While everyone understands the events, Kindl takes up the mission of learning the meaning of the Olympic symbols and how the torch travels to the Summer and Winter Games. As a torchbearer, Kindl wonders if this light is part of his past. People like himself can be part of the Olympics by carrying this message of good will, fair play and sportsmanship around the world, just like the athletes who participate in each Olympiad.
Card catalog description
Kindl learns about the history of the Olympic torch and the games that it represents from runners who are to be the torchbearers for the Olympic Games.
From the Publisher
The Olympic Glow was in the Curriculum Guide to The Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games. Book and music, Forever Friends, were featured in Florida Pavilion of Winter Games, Nagano, Japan, 1998.
About the Author
Barbara Birenbaum is author, illustrator and composer as well as former educator and school psychologist with three degrees in education. Presently serves as Literary Representative, State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, Arts in Education program. Believes children need to have a multifaceted approach to reading - i.e. story, history, illustrations, music, theme and underlying theme.
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