I'm so excited to introduce you all to one of my new sponsors, Generation Grit! Generation Grit is a new company that brings to life a collection of characters, inspiring boys to live their best adventure. Each character has an adventure figure, books, and accessories—all created to spark hours of reading and imaginative play. Their currently on KickStarter to jumpstart their business.
I got to talk with Laura, the founder of Generation Grit and can't wait to share the interview with you!
How did you get the idea for Generation Grit and Mac Mason? What was your inspiration?
The idea first hit me while I was sipping pink lemonade at the American Girl Café with my then eight-year-old daughter Ella and her doll, Kit, from the Great Depression era. Our conversation hopped between historical norms during Kit’s life to more personal thoughts on Ella’s hopes and dreams. I love how the American Girl stories have inspired all three of my girls over the years. As I relished the sweet time with my daughter, I began to wonder about similar toys for my son.
There is a welcome new trend in toys for girls: fantastic toys and books that encourage young girls to reach for the stars, like Roominate, Goldieblox, IamElemental, and of course, American Girl!
But where are the toys and stories that encourage and motivate boys to be their best? I decided to make some.
What is the mission of Generation Grit?
Generation Grit aims to fill the gap by providing male character-based toys who show their strength through adventure, empathy, imagination, and grit, instead of big muscles or superhero powers.
Don’t get me wrong–I love superheroes, but I also long for my son to have heroes who are adventurous, regular boys willing to try, fail, learn and grow. All boys deserve to see themselves in the messages behind Generation Grit, and we want to teach them that there is more than one kind of strong.
Can you tell us a bit more about the Mac Mason story and his character?
Fourteen-year-old Mac Mason’s story takes place in 1943 on the home front during World War II. Although Mac is an avid baseball player, he feels overshadowed when his athletic British cousin William comes to California to escape the London bombings. Things change when the two uncover clues to a fraudulent rations ring, and they have to work together to save a friend from being falsely accused. Mac's adventures include dealing with smugglers and ciphers, solving mysteries, and taking an epic camping trip.
While the book revolves around Mac’s adventures and the ration mystery, it also walks through important issues of friendship, ego, and courage. The World War II context provides visibility into an important time in American history through the eyes of a boy. The book is intended for middle grade readers, ages eight to 12.
Did you have a favorite doll or toy growing up?
I loved my Cabbage Patch doll. Her name was Hettie Felice, and my parents braved quite the line one year to get her at Toys R Us. I also loved Legos growing up. American Girl didn’t launch until I was in high school, and when I first saw one (Kirsten), I wished she had been around when I was a girl!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers?
Just as girls deserve more options than Barbie, boys deserve more than Ken or G.I. Joe.
Let’s celebrate that boys can be strong through more than just muscles. If you love American Girl, you’ll love Generation Grit for the boys in your life. Click here to reserve your Mac Mason and other rewards from Generation Grit. (Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing platform, so if we don’t reach our goal, no funds are collected at all. Your credit card is only charged if the goal is reached.)
Hope you all enjoy your Sunday! :)
