The Corinthian Girl

The brilliantly illustrated tale of one girl's epic achievement, from slavehood to champion athlete in the great Herean Games of Ancient Greece, held in the Olympic Stadium


Set in Ancient Greece, this inspiring story tells of a slave girl who became champion in the Heraean Games (the girls' and women's version of the Olympic Games) in the great stadium at Olympia. Born in Corinth, abandoned as a baby, she becomes a nameless slave until her strength and skill are noticed by her owner, a famous athlete. Her spirit and courage take her to victory in the Games, to freedom and to fame. Christina Balit's superbly detailed illustrations add a whole extra dimension to her story of one girl's life in Ancient Greece.

“"Informative, entertaining, and inspiring." -- Booklist "A wonderful story bringing to life an event held so long ago, and a girl who rose to fortune by her ability. The illustrations and text are brilliant and whatever age the reader, this will bring real interest and joy." The Book Monitor "Balit's prose packs a powerful punch...Her illustrations are equally glorious and marry beautifully with the text. The images burst with historical details, vivid colours and are full of movement." -- Historian Next Door”

"A slave girl becomes an Olympic competitor in this thrilling story of one girl's achievement against the odds."

"Christina Balit’s painterly illustrations have a power of their own, capturing superbly the slave girl’s spirit, determination and athleticism. Although the characters in her exciting, inspiring story are inventions, the details of place and time are accurate."

"A beautiful book from Otter-Barry Books with a wonderful story  bringing to life an event held so long ago, and a girl who rose to fortune by her ability. The illustrations and text are brilliant and whatever age the reader, this will bring real interest and joy."

"Though the story itself is wonderfully woven, it is perhaps the vivid and stunningly detailed illustrations which allow the reader to travel back in time to watch the first women compete in the Heraean Games."

"Christina Balit’s wonderful illustrations chart the life of this ‘unneeded’ child from birth to glory, drawing attention to the women of ancient Greece. ‘The Corinthian Girl’ is perfect for developing empathy with others as well as exploring this fascinating period of history, offering many opportunities for writing in role, drama and research."

"This book is superb and, whilst being fictional, it weaves a lot of historical bits and pieces in and has a great section of information about the games at the end and how we know about them."

"The value of a female life in a male-dominated society is central to this story and is it fantastic to see such a different approach to communicating ancient Greek history... Balit’s prose packs a powerful punch...Her illustrations are equally glorious and marry beautifully with the text. The images burst with historical details, vivid colours and are full of movement."

"Attractive...informative, entertaining and inspiring."

Christina Balit studied at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art. She has illustrated over 20 children’s books and has twice been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

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