Growing Up With Kid Lit

12 July 2024Ella W, Mack ‘25

The Grade 10s have a special opportunity in the spring to take part in a genre unit in their English class. The genre unit helps students use their skills learned in English through creative outlets. One of the most popular genre units is Kid Lit, where students pair up with kindergarteners from George Bonner Elementary School just up the road to play with them, get to know them, and finally write a book for them to keep forever. Ms Hedquist created this program in 2011, with the idea that her five-year-old daughter, Caleigh HM, Hope ‘23, would love it.

When I asked Ms Hedquist about the effort it takes to create these marvelous stories, she explained that the process has been tweaked over the years to make the most sturdy book, able to sustain years of growing up. Ms Hedquist illustrated that the books are simply formatted, with hand-drawn illustrations, and bound with staples. Once the program became popular, staff asked if the books should be more formally bound. Ms Hedquist denied this offer, saying that “it takes away the authenticity and child-like spirit of a homemade book.” I was lucky enough to see some of the laminated covers of the books our Grade 10s will gift to their kindies. These books reflect both the Grade 10s’ and Kindergarteners’ creativity, interests and imagination.

This year, for the first time, the course features two Grade 10 authors who were kindergarten recipients themselves a decade ago.

Katia & Mila M, Hope ‘26, fell in love with the program in 2014 when they were kindergarten students. The twins agreed that their Kid Lit buddies gave them role models when they were younger: “We loved getting to know our older buddies and having someone to look up to,” said Katia.

Ms Hedquist gave me the opportunity to take a look at the books Katia and Mila received all those years ago. These hand-illustrated, stapled-together stories entitled Lily and The Moon, by Rachel C (Hope ’16) and Sparkle Sweets, by Julie S (Hope ’16), made such a profound impact on Katia and Mila that they knew for certain they would join Kid Lit once they got the opportunity. This is a full-circle moment for Mila and Katia, representing the elective’s motto, De Manu in Minima Manus: From Hand to Tiny Hand.

On May 15, the kindergarten classes from George Bonner Elementary come to Brentwood for their final playdate with their big buddies. After scavenger hunts, bubbles, colouring, soccer, and tag, the big buddies read their little buddies their own personalized books. Cedar and Olivia will be gifted Katia’s and Mila’s books. Who knows? Maybe in 2034 they will be in Kid Lit to continue the legacy.

Ella W, Mack ‘25

Where Students Choose To Be