Shirley Glubok, renowned for her ability to transform complex scholarly insights into accessible narratives for young audiences, has made significant contributions to the realm of educational literature. Together with her husband, Alfred Tamarin, Glubok has crafted texts that marry intellectual depth with engaging readability, avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplification or trendy gimmicks. Her works have garnered multiple accolades and have been featured on esteemed bibliographies such as the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults.

Among Glubok's extensive portfolio, Olympic Games in Ancient Greece stands out for its unique narrative approach and comprehensive scope. The book departs from her previous focus on art history, such as seen in her series beginning with The Art of Ancient Egypt (1962), by concentrating instead on a significant cultural ritual—the Olympic Games. Here, art serves as an illustrative tool rather than the central subject, providing context and depth to the historical narrative.

This particular work offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Olympic Games for a younger demographic. Prior to its publication, no existing text had attempted such a thorough examination of the sports' artistic, historical, and cultural dimensions. The book’s appeal is magnified during Olympic years, as interest invariably spikes, according to publishers. With its timeless subject matter and the perpetual allure of sports, Olympic Games in Ancient Greece is poised to endure as a beloved classic within nonfiction literature for children and young adults.