Review: Rena Glickman, Queen of Judo
Rena Glickman, Queen of Judo
by Eve Nadel Catarevas, illustrated by Martina Peluso
Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner Publishing Group), 2022
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Shanna Silva
Buy at Bookshop.org
Rena “Rusty” Glickman was a scrappy Coney Island teenager in the 1950’s. As a young girl, Rena’s interests leaned toward conventionally male pursuits, including weight lifting and judo. There was no space for women in the world that interested her. Disguising herself as a man, she won a judo competition only to have the trophy revoked upon her gender revelation. Still, Rena refused to bend to societal norms. Her innate strong sense of self and persistence led her to become a judo master, no small feat for a woman in a men’s sport. Her trailblazing story lays out her path to what became her life’s work: creating a space for women in judo and developing it as a legitimized Olympic sport. Throughout her life, Rena was unconventional and fierce, never wavering in her mission despite the many obstacles in her path. With this solid message, she is a role model for all children. The book’s engaging text is paired with a pleasing color palette and richly detailed illustrations. The characters’ eyes are both soulful and thoughtful. A biography on Rena Glickman is overdue, and this book portrays her with a powerful independence and unwavering persistence.
The subject of this book was Jewish, as indicated by one reference to Shabbat. No other Judaic elements are included. The book has literary merit and has been thoroughly researched by the author. The background characters include some ethnic diversity. An author’s note at the end provides a good recap and includes photographs of “the real” Rena. This book is an enjoyable read and good reference on a little-known champion of women in judo.
Rena “Rusty” Glickman was a scrappy Coney Island teenager in the 1950’s. As a young girl, Rena’s interests leaned toward conventionally male pursuits, including weight lifting and judo. There was no space for women in the world that interested her. Disguising herself as a man, she won a judo competition only to have the trophy revoked upon her gender revelation. Still, Rena refused to bend to societal norms. Her innate strong sense of self and persistence led her to become a judo master, no small feat for a woman in a men’s sport. Her trailblazing story lays out her path to what became her life’s work: creating a space for women in judo and developing it as a legitimized Olympic sport. Throughout her life, Rena was unconventional and fierce, never wavering in her mission despite the many obstacles in her path. With this solid message, she is a role model for all children. The book’s engaging text is paired with a pleasing color palette and richly detailed illustrations. The characters’ eyes are both soulful and thoughtful. A biography on Rena Glickman is overdue, and this book portrays her with a powerful independence and unwavering persistence.
The subject of this book was Jewish, as indicated by one reference to Shabbat. No other Judaic elements are included. The book has literary merit and has been thoroughly researched by the author. The background characters include some ethnic diversity. An author’s note at the end provides a good recap and includes photographs of “the real” Rena. This book is an enjoyable read and good reference on a little-known champion of women in judo.
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