Book Project Celebrates Writing and Literature

Hamilton High School students visited second graders at Maple Avenue Elementary School on June 5 to read and distribute books that were inspired by the young students’ own artwork.

“The focus of this project was to create a connection between high school and elementary school students through a shared passion of writing and literature,” explains Hamilton High School junior Aadhitya Balaji.

Balaji is one of nine Hamilton High School students who took part in the collaborative project as part of their AP English Language class. “In the beginning of the project, we stopped by Maple Avenue to have the second graders draw characters and scenery for a book that they got to pick the theme for. We really wanted to emphasize and bring out the imagination and creativity of the second grade students in this project,” says Balaji.

The other Hamilton High School students who participated in this project are Adarsh Reghuram, Rohan Nuthi, Noah Bilstad, Jack Lamm, Alex Yan, Zen Nagao, John Baker, and Aniket Singh. They say the most difficult part of this project was the storyboarding phase and coming up with a way to incorporate all the second grade students’ drawings into one cohesive story plot to create a book.

Balaji says the process brought many of the high school students back to their own elementary school days. “It felt like we were imagining ourselves as second graders and what types of humor and personalities we would've found amusing at that age,” explains Balaji.

“We want to acknowledge that this project wouldn't have been possible without the amazing second grade teachers at Maple Avenue, Mrs. Krenek and Mrs. Waldow! Also, we are extremely grateful for Mrs. Schroeder, as she worked with us to print all of the second graders' books! Last but not least, Mrs. Kowalske, our AP Language teacher, who gave us invaluable guidance and assistance throughout the project,” said Balaji.