Cassidy Hendricks: the 10-year-old literary sensation taking South Africa by storm
Cassidy Hendricks with a few of her books
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
Cassidy Hendricks, a 10-year-old reading prodigy from Lotus River, has once again proven her literary brilliance. She has been selected as the solo finalist from the Western Cape to represent the province at the South African Literacy Association’s (SALA) prestigious annual reading competition.
Now in Grade 4, Cassidy’s passion for reading and exceptional memory continue to set her apart. By the age of eight, she could already spell over 459 words by heart and was happily devouring classics like Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Her reading journey hasn’t slowed down, in fact it has accelerated. Her latest literary love? Greek Mythology, an ambitious and complex genre that many adults find intimidating.
Cassidy Hendricks reading the article about her rounds in the semi-finals when she was featured in the Jellybean Journal.
Image: Supplied
“She really surprises me every time,” said her proud grandmother, Brenda Tommy. “I would call myself more blessed than proud. She is achieving so much at her age and reading books that I haven’t even read and that many adults haven’t read. She is just short of 700 books, all different genres. And the beauty of it is that she is not a diva, she is not a drama queen, she just goes through the motions and wants to keep reading alive.”
Cassidy’s track record is impressive. She was placed second in the SALA competition in 2022, won the title in 2023, and after taking a short break in 2024, she’s returned to the competition even sharper and more motivated. This year, she’ll be reading Charlotte’s Web at the event, in line with SALA’s requirement for grade-appropriate literature.
“They want a certain level of book for the grade they are in,” explained Brenda, “but if Cassidy had a choice, she would probably choose Greek Mythology.”
Despite her remarkable reading level well beyond her years Cassidy remains grounded, humble, and focused on what she loves most: books.
“I’m looking forward to just reading and being around kids who share the same love for books as me,” she says.
While the competition date is yet to be announced, one thing is certain: Cassidy Hendricks is a shining example of how a deep love for reading can open up entire worlds even before your teenage years.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za