Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Q&A with Kerry Olitzky

 


 

 

Kerry Olitzky is the author, with Deborah Bodin Cohen, of the new children's picture book Twist, Tumble, Triumph: The Story of Champion Gymnast Ágnes Keleti. Olitzky is a rabbi, and his many other books include An Etrog from Across the Sea. He lives in North Brunswick, New Jersey.

 

Q: What inspired you to write a picture book biography of gymnast Ágnes Keleti (1921-2025)?

 

A: As we researched and wrote the short biographies of individuals in our book Heroes with Chutzpah, we both immediately realized the potential in Agnes' life for her own picture book. We wanted to make sure that younger readers got to know her too.

 

Q: How did you research her life, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: There have been many articles written about her and one extensive biography which was recently translated into English. I also had the opportunity to speak to her son about her.

 

What surprised us is that even into her 100s, she was rather spry. I think that I was also surprised that she started her Olympic career at the age when many contemporary gymnasts have already concluded theirs. 

 

Q: What do you think Martina Peluso’s illustrations add to the book?  

 

A: The illustrations tell Agnes' story on their own. When added to our narrative, the illustrations are even more reflective of her life's journey.

Q: What do you hope kids take away from Agnes Keleti’s story?

 

A: The powerful drives that individuals can call upon when facing severe adversity in their lives.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: We are working on several projects, including Across the Jewniverse: 180 Random Jewish Facts, which will be published by Apples and Honey Press, as well as Cayla's Cookies, which is due out this year from Relevant Publishing. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: We are also developing other biographies for kids, emerging from our collaboration on Heroes with Chutzpah. We think that since these are not the "usual suspects," they demand our attention and have much to offer children and adults.

 

We are mindful of the 11th century philosopher Bachya Ibn Pakuda, who said, "days are scrolls. Write on them what you want to be remembered." That is how we feel about Agnes and the others. 

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Kerry Olitzky.

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