American Girl#Films

{{Redirect|WellieWishers|the TV series|WellieWishers (TV series)}}

{{Infobox media franchise

| italic_title = no

| title = American Girl

| image = American Girl 2023.svg

| imagesize = 250

| caption = The current logo for American Girl

| origin = Dolls and books released by Pleasant Company (1986)

| creator = Pleasant Rowland

| toys = Various (dolls and playsets)

| books = See American Girl (book series)

| films = See American Girl (film series)

| shorts = {{Plain list|

Maryellen and the Brightest Star (2015)
And the Tiara Goes To... (2015)

}}

| soundtracks = {{unbulleted list|The American Girls Revue (2000)|Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)}}

| vgs = See American Girl (video game series)

| owner = Mattel

|otherlabel2 = Clothing

|otherdata2 = Dress Like Your Doll

}}

American Girl is an American line of {{convert|18|in|cm|adj=on}} dolls released on May 5, 1986, by Pleasant Company. The dolls portray eight- to fourteen-year-old girls of various ethnicities, faiths, nationalities, and social classes throughout different time periods throughout history.{{Cite web |last1=Magazine |first1=Smithsonian |last2=Solly |first2=Meilan |title=The Enduring Nostalgia of American Girl Dolls |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/evolution-american-girl-dolls-180977822/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}} They are sold with accompanying books told from the viewpoint of the girls. Originally the stories focused on various periods of American history, but were expanded to include characters and stories from contemporary life. Aside from the original American Girl dolls, buyers also have the option to purchase Truly Me dolls, which vary by eye color, face mold, skin color, hair texture, and hair length. A variety of related clothing and accessories is also available. A service for ordering a custom-made doll with features and clothing specified by the owner dubbed Create Your Own, was introduced in 2017.

Pleasant Company was founded in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland in Middleton, Wisconsin,{{Cite web |last=Heidemann |first=Emilie |date=2022-01-22 |title=American Girl plans to relocate Middleton corporate offices, consolidate warehouse operations |url=https://madison.com/business/american-girl-plans-to-relocate-middleton-corporate-offices-consolidate-warehouse-operations/article_29c37e10-5e39-5199-80ba-b43b252d78ec.html |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=madison.com |language=en}} and its products were originally purchasable by mail order only. In 1998, Pleasant Company became a subsidiary of Mattel after Mattel purchased the company for $700 million.{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Stephen |date=1998-06-16 |title=Mattel Plans to Buy Pleasant for $700 Million |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-16-fi-60272-story.html |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The company has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times{{cite web |url=http://www.toyportfolio.com/Later/ChapterSubChapter.asp?Chapter=Toys:%20Early%20School%20Years:%20Five%20to%20Ten%20Years&SubChapter=Dolls%20and%20huggables:%20Dolls |title=Oppenheimer Toy Award |work=Toyportfolio.com |access-date=2006-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060421091642/http://www.toyportfolio.com/Later/ChapterSubChapter.asp?Chapter=Toys%3A+Early+School+Years%3A+Five+to+Ten+Years&SubChapter=Dolls+and+huggables%3A+Dolls |archive-date=2006-04-21 |url-status=dead }} and was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2021.{{Cite web |title=American Girl dolls, Risk and sand were inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. Yes, sand. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/11/04/american-girl-dolls-risk-sand-inducted-toy-hall-fame/6287063001/ |access-date=2021-11-06 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Worland |first=Gayle |title=American Girl Dolls join the National Toy Hall of Fame |url=https://madison.com/business/american-girl-dolls-join-the-national-toy-hall-of-fame/article_9925ab32-12d8-5a5e-8c94-48c4a71fee9f.html |access-date=2021-11-06 |website=madison.com |date=5 November 2021 |language=en}}

Dolls and accessories

{{Infobox Toy

|image=180px

|caption =Molly McIntire, one of the first American Girl dolls

|name=American Girl

|type=Doll

|from=1986

|to= present

|inventor=Pleasant Rowland

|company=Pleasant Company/Götz, Mattel

|website=http://www.americangirl.com

|country=United States

|slogan=Find your inner star

}}

The Historical Characters line of 18-inch dolls, which were derived from the 18-inch dolls made by Götz in West Germany (known as Germany from October 1990) during the late 1980s to the 1990s,{{cite book |last1=Falligant |first1=Erin |last2=Calkhoven |first2=Laurie |last3=Anton |first3=Carrie |title=American Girl: Ultimate Visual Guide: A Celebration of the American Girl® Story |date=2016 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-1-4654-4496-7 }}{{page needed|date=December 2023}} were initially the main focus of Pleasant Company, founded by Pleasant Rowland in 1986. This product line aims to teach aspects of American history through a six-book series from the perspective of a girl living in that time period. Rowland came up with the idea after she returned from a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, where she noticed there was a significant void in the toy market for younger-aged dolls and saw an opportunity to provide an alternative to baby and adult dolls.{{Cite web|url=https://www.completeset.com/meet-history-the-original-american-girl-dolls/|title=Meet History: The Original American Girl Dolls|date=2016-03-20|website=CompleteSet|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-03}} Although the books are written for girls who are at least eight years old, they endeavor to cover significant topics such as child labor, child abuse, poverty, racism, slavery, animal abuse and war in appropriate manners for the understanding and sensibilities of their young audiences.{{cite web |url=http://www.americangirl.com/corp/corporate.php?section=about&id=2 |title=Company History |publisher=American Girl |access-date=2012-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216011642/http://www.americangirl.com/corp/corporate.php?section=about&id=2 |archive-date=2012-12-16 |url-status=dead }}

In 1995, Pleasant Company released a line of contemporary dolls called American Girl of Today. In 2006, the product line was renamed Just Like You; it was changed again in 2010 to My American Girl, and in 2015 to Truly Me.{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150521005102/en/American-Girl-Unveils-Me%E2%84%A2-Doll-Line-Helps|title=American Girl Unveils Truly Me™ Doll Line and Helps Girls Explore and Discover Who They Truly Are|publisher=Business Wire|access-date=22 May 2015|date=2015-05-21}} This line has included over one hundred different dolls over the years. Each doll has a different combination of face mold, skin tone, eye color, hair color, length, texture, and/or style. American Girl states that this variety allows customers to choose dolls that "represent the individuality and diversity of today's American girls." A wide variety of contemporary clothing, accessories, and furniture is also available, and there are regular releases and retirements to update this line. Each year, a Girl of the Year doll is released who has her own unique talent; for example, Mia St. Clair, the Girl of the Year for 2008, was an ice skater,{{Cite web |last=Grady |first=Constance |date=2017-05-02 |title=American Girl's new Korean-American doll is part of its ongoing push toward diversity |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/5/2/15505784/american-girl-korean-american-doll-z-diversity |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Vox |language=en}} and Marisol Luna, the Girl of the Year for 2005, was a dancer.

Girls of Many Lands was released by American Girl in the holiday season of 2002.{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2016-04-26 |title=Girls Of Many Lands Dolls |url=https://www.americangirldollnews.com/post/2016/04/25/girls-of-many-lands-dolls |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=agnews |language=en}} Each doll was 9 inches tall and represented a 12-year-old girl from a time in history; in addition, each doll came with an accompanying book. Along with specific ethnicities, the dolls were given a home country and time periods, such as 1592 England, 1711 France, 1846 Ethiopia, and more. Sculpted by Helen Kish, the dolls were meant for display only and were priced from $48 to $54. The doll line lasted until the Fall of 2005.

Bitty Baby is a line of 15-inch baby dolls targeted to children aged three and older. They are cheaper than the 18-inch dolls and as of 2024, retail at $60 each.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-09|title=All About American Bitty Baby Dolls {{!}} The Bestseller|url=https://alldollthings.com/blog/american-bitty-baby-dolls-for-toddlers/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=All Doll Things|language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-27 |title=The Best Dolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dolls/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In 2013, American Girl Publishing released Bitty Baby books, picture books aimed at girls ages 3–6.{{Cite web |last=Kirch |first=Claire |date=2013-07-25 |title=American Girl Enters the Picture Book Market |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/58422-american-girl-enters-the-picture-book-market.html |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Publishers Weekly |language=en}}

The Bitty Twins line debuted in 2003 to represent slightly older toddlers and/or preschoolers. The Bitty Twins were the same size as the Bitty Baby dolls. They were discontinued in June 2016.

Hopscotch Hill School was released by American Girl in 2003. The dolls were {{convert|16|in|cm}} tall, came with jointed limbs and painted eyes, and had a slimmer overall body shape. They, along with the stories which came with the dolls written by Valerie Tripp, were aimed at elementary-age girls from four to six years old and were sold until 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.agplaythings.com/hopscotch/hopscotchhill.html|title=Collecting Hopscotch Hill|work=American Girl Playthings|access-date=31 July 2016}}

A reboot of the Historical Characters line dubbed as BeForever was launched in August 2014, complete with redesigned outfits, a two-volume compilation of previously released books, and a "Journey Book" for each character, with players taking the role of a present-day girl who found her way to the past and met up with one of the Historical girls. The line also coincided with the relaunch of Samantha Parkington, whose collection was discontinued in 2008.{{cite news|url=http://ktla.com/2014/08/27/american-girl-beforever-collection/|title=American Girl 'BeForever' Collection|last=Mac Kay|first=Allie|author2=Cruz, Nancy |date=27 August 2014|work=KTLA|access-date=29 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/08/28/mattel-intros-new-american-girls-line/|title=Mattel intros new American Girls line|last=Fisher|first=Daniela|date=28 August 2014|work=Kidscreen|access-date=29 August 2014}} The BeForever rebranding was removed in 2019, and the dolls were again referred to as "Historical Characters."

{{anchor|Wellie Wishers}}In June 2016, American Girl unveiled Wellie Wishers, a separate doll line similar to Hopscotch Hill School aimed at younger children{{Cite web |date=2016-07-21 |title=Meet American Girl's new dolls, WellieWishers — a pint-sized solution to a multimillion-dollar problem |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-american-girl-welliewishers-doll-20160721-story.html |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Chicago Tribune}} and with a focus on nature and the outdoors, positioning it between Bitty Baby and the BeForever/Girl of the Year/Truly Me dolls. As the name implies, dolls from the line wear Wellington (wellie) boots and have a body design distinct from the classic, Götz-derived American Girl dolls. The line was released on June 23, 2016. The names of the Wellie Wishers are: Willa, Camille, Kendall, Emerson, Ashlyn, and Bryant.{{cite news|url=http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/toy-reviews/news/a38990/american-girl-new-dolls/|title=New American Girl Doll Line - WellieWishers|last=Menza|first=Kaitlin|date=15 June 2016|work=Good Housekeeping|access-date=17 June 2016}}

In February 2017, American Girl released a new line of 18-inch dolls called contemporary characters. The first doll in the line was Tenney Grant, a young aspiring country singer, and songwriter. Other dolls of the modern line include Logan, Tenney's bandmate and American Girl's first-ever boy doll,{{efn|Outside of the Bitty Twins line, whose dolls consist of fraternal twins; Logan is the first male character doll and the first male doll in American Girl's mainline roster.}} and Z Yang, who is interested in photography and making stop motion videos.{{Cite web|title=American Girl Debuts New Contemporary Character Z Yang, A Filmmaker Who Tells Stories Through Her Own Creative Lens|url=https://investors.mattel.com/static-files/0a3438be-3ea1-490c-b5b2-d87ac8acd56b|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2021|website=Mattel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610131223/https://investors.mattel.com/static-files/0a3438be-3ea1-490c-b5b2-d87ac8acd56b |archive-date=2021-06-10 }}

In May 2021, American Girl rereleased the six original historical dolls for their 35th anniversary. The release included Felicity, Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, Josefina, and Molly.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-04 |title=American Girl rereleased 6 iconic dolls for its 35th birthday |url=https://www.today.com/shop/american-girl-historical-dolls-return-t217413 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-05-04 |title=All 6 Original American Girl Dolls Are Coming Back |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/american-girl-dolls-35th-anniversary-return |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Glamour |language=en-US}}

In September 2021, American Girl released a new line of 18-inch dolls called World by Us. The dolls and their books promote messages of various social justice issues that are age-appropriate for the line's target audience and cover relevant subjects such as racism, immigration, and climate change. The line debuted with three dolls: Makena Williams, Maritza Ochoa, and Evette Peeters. The line also features doll outfits designed by Harlem's Fashion Row fashion designers.{{Cite web |last=Colón |first=Ana |date=2021-09-24 |title=Three Harlem's Fashion Row Designers Created the Looks Worn by the Newest American Girl Dolls |url=https://fashionista.com/2021/09/american-girl-world-by-us-dolls-collection-fashion |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=Fashionista |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-09-23 |title=American Girl® Debuts World by Us™ Doll and Book Line to Champion Equality and Promote Unity |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210923005265/en/American-Girl%C2%AE-Debuts-World-by-Us%E2%84%A2-Doll-and-Book-Line-to-Champion-Equality-and-Promote-Unity |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}

=Characters=

= Girl of the Year =

Girl of the Year is a line created by American Girl where it features one doll all year around. The doll has its accessories and merchandise and her own story. The first Girl of the Year was in the year 2001, which was Lindsey Bergman and the latest Girl of the Year is Lila Monetti. Listed below are the dolls who have been Girl of the Year from 2001 to 2025.

Lindsey Bergman - Girl of the Year in 2001
Kailey Hopkins - Girl of the Year in 2003
Marisol Luna - Girl of the Year 2005
Jess McConnell - Girl of the Year 2006
Nicki Fleming - Girl of the Year 2007
Mia St. Clair - Girl of the Year 2008
Chrissa Maxwell - Girl of the Year 2009
Lanie Holland - Girl of the Year 2010
Kanani Akina - Girl of the Year 2011
McKenna Brooks - Girl of the Year 2012
Saige Copeland - Girl of the Year 2013
Isabelle Palmer - Girl of the Year 2014
Grace Thomas - Girl of the Year 2015
Lea Clark - Girl of the Year 2016
Gabriela McBride - Girl of the Year 2017
Luciana Vega - Girl of the Year 2018
Blaire Wilson - Girl of the Year 2019
Joss Kendrick - Girl of the Year 2020
Kira Bailey - Girl of the Year 2021
Corinne Tan - Girl of the Year 2022
Kavi Sharma - Girl of the Year 2023
Lila Monetti - Girl of the Year 2024
Summer McKinny - Girl of the Year 2025

= Collector doll series =

In 2019, American Girl launched the Collector Doll Series. The first doll was the Holiday Collector doll in partnership with Swarovski of which three were produced.{{Cite web |last=Haller |first=Sonja |title=American Girl dazzles with Swarovski crystal-encrusted holiday doll and a hefty price tag |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/parenting/2019/11/05/american-girl-holiday-doll-covered-swarovski-crystals/4164025002/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} In 2020, American Girl again partnered with Swarovski and released three collector dolls; the Sweet as Rose, Boho Chic, and Fuchsia Feathers collector dolls. Only one of each doll was produced, each of which had a gown that included 1,000 or more Swarovski crystals.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-17 |title=American Girl® to Auction Off Three One-of-a-Kind Collector Dolls Made With Thousands of Swarovski® Crystals |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201117005471/en/American-Girl%C2%AE-to-Auction-Off-Three-One-of-a-Kind-Collector-Dolls-Made-With-Thousands-of-Swarovski%C2%AE-Crystals |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}

In August 2023, American Girl released three Disney Princess dolls: Jasmine, Belle, and Rapunzel.{{Cite web |title=Sparkling Detailed Princess Dolls |url=https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-girl-doll-1 |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=TrendHunter.com |language=en}} In September, they released a toy soldier collector doll in partnership with FAO Schwarz, and in December, they released The Classic Barbie by American Girl collector doll.{{Cite web |last=Media |first=aNb |date=2023-07-20 |title=American Girl Teams Up with FAO Schwarz for Limited Edition Doll |url=https://www.anbmedia.com/news/2023/07/american-girl-teams-up-with-fao-schwarz-for-limited-edition-doll/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=aNb Media, Inc. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Glamorous Collector Dolls |url=https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-by-american-girl |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=TrendHunter.com |language=en}} In February 2024, American Girl released three more Disney Princess dolls: Cinderella, Tiana, and Ariel.{{Cite web |title=American Girl Reveals New Disney Princess Doll Collection — Featuring Cinderella, Tiana and Ariel |url=https://people.com/american-girl-reveals-new-disney-princess-doll-collection-8559898 |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}

Books

The American Girl books have many different variations; each book series shares the journey of one American Girl Doll character. American Girl Dolls were created with the goal of educating young children on history, morals, and life lessons through the stories accompanied with each doll.{{cite journal |last1=Zaslow |first1=Emilie |title=Which Vitamins are in the Chocolate Cake? How American Girl Marketing Has Responded to Shifting Discourses about Gender and Race |journal=The Public Historian |date=2021 |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=18–37 |id={{Project MUSE|809386}} |doi=10.1525/tph.2021.43.1.18 |s2cid=234075944 }}

The classic American Girl Doll books follow the journey of one of their historical characters and each series follows a standard structure through six books. This structure is: Meet (doll name), (doll name) Learns a Lesson, (doll name's) Surprise, Happy Birthday (doll name), (doll name) Saves the Day, Changes for (doll name).{{cite journal |last1=Nielsen |first1=Fred |title=American History through the Eyes of the American Girls |journal=Journal of American & Comparative Cultures |date=March 2002 |volume=25 |issue=1–2 |pages=85–93 |id={{ProQuest|1722992841}} |doi=10.1111/1542-734X.00014 }}

Some of the American Girl Dolls also have Best Friend books which are books following the storyline of the best friend of one of the American Girl Dolls – a spinoff to the original series. Examples of these include Nellie's Promise by Valerie Tripp (2004), Very Funny, Elizabeth by Valerie Tripp (2005), and Brave Emily by Valerie Tripp (2006).

Films

In 2004, American Girl teamed up with Julia Roberts's Red Om production company to create the first American Girl direct-to-video movie, Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.{{Cite web |last=Fries |first=Laura |date=2004-11-22 |title=Samantha: An American Girl Holiday |url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/samantha-an-american-girl-holiday-1200529386/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} The film spawned a franchise that was followed by Felicity: An American Girl Adventure (2005), Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front (2006), and the theatrically released 2008 film Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, starring Abigail Breslin.

In 2009, American Girl began releasing direct-to-video and television films based on the Girl of the Year doll for that respective year. The series began with An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong and was followed by McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012), Saige Paints the Sky (2013), Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight (2014), Grace Stirs Up Success (2015), and Lea To The Rescue (2016).{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/An-American-Girl-Grace-Stirs-Up-Success-Blu-ray/125455/|title=An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success Blu-ray|work=Blu-ray.com|access-date=9 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Universal/Disc_Announcements/an-american-girl-grace-stirs-up-success-bluray-announced-for-june/21465|title='An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success' Blu-ray Announced for June|last=Cohen|first=Steven|date=4 March 2015|work=High-Def Digest|access-date=9 May 2015}}

In October 2016, American Girl began releasing new films on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service, beginning with An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/tv-news-roundup-amazon-casts-marsai-martin-black-ish-american-girl-anthony-anderson-host-48th-naacp-image-awards-1201844742/|title=TV News: Marsai Martin of 'Black-ish' Becomes First American Girl|last=Cavassuto|first=Maria|date=25 August 2016|work=Variety|access-date=25 August 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/black-ishs-marsai-martin-cast-american-girl-melody-241689|title=Black-ish's Marsai Martin cast as American Girl Melody|last=Barsanti|first=Sam|date=25 August 2016|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=25 August 2016}} This was followed by three more films: Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas that November, Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance in March 2017, and Corinne Tan in July 2023.{{Cite web |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=2017-02-25 |title='American Girl': Gwendoline Yeo To Star In Amazon's Special 'Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance' |url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/american-girl-gwendoline-yeo-star-amazon-special-ivy-julie-1976-a-happy-balance-1201986789/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Watch the Trailer for Amazon's Latest American Girl Story Special, 'Ivy & Julie 1976' |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/02/27/american-girl-story-ivy-julie-1976-trailer/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=EW.com |language=en}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/11/03/american-girl-christmas-trailer-amazon|title=This American Girl Christmas special trailer will warm your heart—exclusive|last=Raynor|first=Madeline|date=3 November 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=5 November 2016}}{{Cite web |date=2023-07-29 |title=Review: American Girl Corinne Tan - The Movie |url=https://www.americangirldollnews.com/post/review-american-girl-corinne-tan-the-movie |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=agnews |language=en}}

In February 2019, it was reported that Mattel Films and MGM announced the development of a live-action children's movie based on the doll line.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=2019-02-15 |title=Mattel Teams With MGM For 'American Girl' Doll Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/american-girl-movie-mattel-mgm-dolls-1202558295/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=2019-02-15 |title=American Girl Doll Movie in the Works From MGM, Mattel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/american-girl-doll-movie-works-mgm-mattel-1187034/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Haller |first=Sonja |title=American Girl dolls spark live-action movie. MGM and Mattel partner for 'passionate' fans |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/allthemoms/2019/02/19/american-girl-dolls-live-action-movie-mgm-and-mattel/2910973002/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} Following the success of the live-action Barbie film, in December 2023, Mattel Films partnered with Paramount Pictures on a live-action feature with Lindsey Anderson Beer serving as the screenwriter and producer.{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Jessica |date=2023-12-13 |title=No, not an 'SNL' sketch: Mattel is making an American Girl dolls movie |url=https://ew.com/american-girl-live-action-movie-mattel-not-snl-sketch-8415727 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=EW.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=American Girl doll live-action movie in the works with Mattel following 'Barbie' success |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/12/14/mattel-american-girl-doll-live-action-movie-barbie/71916921007/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Chasan |first=Aliza |date=2023-12-14 |title=Move over, "Barbie" — Mattel announces plans for American Girl doll movie |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mattel-announces-american-girl-doll-movie-development-barbie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216014350/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mattel-announces-american-girl-doll-movie-development-barbie/ |archive-date=2023-12-16 |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |url-status=live }}

American Girl Place

Image:AmericanGirlPlace LosAngeles.JPG in Los Angeles, California]]

American Girl Place is a brick-and-mortar store selling American Girl dolls, clothes, and accessories. The first store, the 35,000 square-foot American Girl Place, designed by Nancye Green of Donovan/Green, debuted in Chicago, Illinois, in 1998.{{cite journal |last1=Diamond |first1=Nina |title=American Girl and the Brand Gestalt: Closing the Loop on Sociocultural Branding Research |journal=Journal of Marketing |date=May 2009 |volume=73 |issue=3 |pages=118–134 |jstor=20619026 |doi=10.1509/jmkg.73.3.118 |s2cid=168036907 }}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Chris |date=2018-11-29 |title=How American Girl Place was a first in Chicago — and way ahead of its time |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ae-american-girl-place-chicago-1202-story.html |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Chicago Tribune}} The original American Girl Place on Chicago Avenue also had a restaurant and 150-seat theater. It was followed by stores in New York City.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pennlive.com/business/index.ssf/2018/06/american_girl.html|title=American Girl to open outlet store|work=PennLive.com|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}} One of the services the stores provide is a doll hair salon where dolls can get their ears pierced and their nails done. The stores also provide a doll hospital service where customers can bring in their doll for repair.{{Cite web |title=American Girl® Doll Care and Repair |url=https://www.americangirl.com/pages/doll-hospital |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=americangirl.com |language=en}} Pretend "hearing aids" are also available to be added on for 18-inch dolls.{{Cite web |title=18 |url=https://www.americangirl.com/products/repl-head-or-body-18-dol-18randr |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=americangirl.com |language=en}}

In May 2014, American Girl opened several new stores in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/american-girl-dolls-coming-to-canadas-indigo-stores/article15133826/|title=American Girl dolls coming to Canada's Indigo stores|last=Strauss|first=Marina|date=29 October 2013|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=30 October 2013|location=Toronto}} in partnership with Indigo Books and Music.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2013/10/29/american_girl_dolls_coming_to_canada.html|title=Step aside, Barbie. American Girl dolls coming to Canada|work=Toronto Star|access-date=30 October 2013|date=October 29, 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/2013/10/29/american-girl-debuts-in-canada-with-boutiques-in-two-indigo-stores/|title=American Girl debuts in Canada with boutiques in two Indigo stores|work=Financial Post|access-date=30 October 2013}}{{cite web|last1=Rhee|first1=Minna|title=American Girl dolls arrive in Canada at stores in Toronto, Vancouver|url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1307976/american-girl-dolls-arrive-in-canada-at-stores-in-toronto-vancouver/|website=Global News|access-date=September 10, 2015|date=May 2, 2014}} All American Girl shops in Indigo stores were permanently closed in July 2023. In 2015, the company announced that they were expanding operations in Mexico with two stores at El Palacio de Hierro's Perisur and Interlomas in Mexico City, and a third in Polanco.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2014/10/30/american-girl-expanding-into-mexico.html|title=American Girl expanding into Mexico - Milwaukee - Milwaukee Business Journal|last=Schuyler|first=David|work=American City Business Journals|access-date=31 October 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/american-girl-expands-into-mexico-2014-10-30|title=American Girl® Expands into Mexico - MarketWatch|date=30 October 2014|work=MarketWatch|access-date=31 October 2014}} All three Mexico stores closed in January 2018.{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=Judy Newman {{!}} Wisconsin State |date=2018-01-12 |title=American Girl cuts staff, including 21 positions in Wisconsin |url=https://madison.com/business/american-girl-cuts-staff-including-21-positions-in-wisconsin/article_d01ab205-33f3-5f17-b577-e140037a0fba.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}} In collaboration with Emirati shopping mall conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim Group, two American Girl stores opened in Dubai in 2017{{Cite web |title=Majid Al Futtaim brings American Girl to Middle East |url=https://www.tradearabia.com/news/RET_317905.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.tradearabia.com}} along with one in Manama, Bahrain in 2018.{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2018 |title=American Girl in Bahrain |url=https://www.majidalfuttaim.com/en/media-centre/press-releases/detail/2018/01/american-girl-in-bahrain |access-date=2 Feb 2024 |website=Majid Al Futtaim}} All three stores in the Middle East had closed by 2020. As of March 2024, the company has seven remaining retail stores.{{Cite web |title=American Girl Doll to close Easton store |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2023/12/04/american-girl-doll-to-skip-out-of-easton/71804036007/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}

The Los Angeles flagship store reopened in summer 2023 at Westfield Century City after moving from its original location in The Grove.{{Cite web |title=American Girl Los Angeles |url=https://www.americangirl.com/pages/retail-los-angeles |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=americangirl.com |language=en}} In March 2024, the store formerly located at Galleria Dallas in Dallas moved to The Shops at Park Lane.{{Cite web |last=Halkias |first=Maria |date=1 February 2024 |title=American Girl sets opening date for relocated Dallas store |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2024/02/01/american-girl-sets-opening-date-for-relocated-dallas-store/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=The Dallas Morning News}}

class="wikitable"

!State

!City/town

!Shopping center/complex

|The Shops at Park Lane

California

|Los Angeles

|Westfield Century City

Tennessee

|Franklin

|CoolSprings Galleria

New York

|New York City

|75 Rockefeller Plaza

|Tysons Corner Center

Magazine

The American Girl magazine was run by the American Girl company. It was started by the Pleasant Company in Middleton, Wisconsin in 1992,{{cite book |last1=O'Rourke |first1=James S. |title=The Business Communication Casebook: A Notre Dame Collection |date=2007 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-0-324-54509-8 |page=3 }} with the first issue dated November/December 1992. Aimed towards girls ages 8–14, the bimonthly magazine included articles, recipes, advice columns, fiction, arts and crafts, and activity ideas.{{cite web|title=Children's Magazine Markets Paying Professional Rates|url=http://www.eugiefoster.com/kidmarkets/kidmarkets_pro|work=Eugie Foster |access-date=October 26, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124033205/http://www.eugiefoster.com/kidmarkets/kidmarkets_pro |archive-date=November 24, 2015}} American Girl announced in late 2018 that the January/February 2019 issue would be the magazine's last.{{cite web|title=American Girl Magazine|url=http://www.americangirlmagazine.com|access-date=November 29, 2018}}

Online marketing and philanthropy

American Girl launched Innerstar University, an online virtual world featuring the My American Girl contemporary doll line, on July 13, 2010. Access to the online world was via a Campus Guide, bundled with the purchase of a My American Girl doll, which contained an access code for the creation of a doll avatar that then navigated to various games, shops, and challenges offered on the virtual campus of Innerstar U. In 2015, when the My American Girl line was renamed Truly Me, the Innerstar University website was shut down.{{cite web|author=Karakus, Nesli |url=http://www.internetretailer.com/2010/06/30/american-girl-launches-online-charity-donation-campaign |title=American Girl launches online charity donation campaign |publisher=Internet Retailer |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=2012-11-30}} The launch was simultaneous with Shine on Now, a fund-raising effort for Kids In Distressed Situations, National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, National Wildlife Federation, and Save the Children charities.{{cite web|author=Newman, Judy |url=http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_d1fe7cb4-83da-11df-a31d-001cc4c03286.html |title=American Girl invites girls to give, customize dolls—and return to the company's website |work=Wisconsin State Journal |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=2012-11-30}} The company has also donated "almost $500,000" over several years to national non-profit homeless housing group HomeAid.{{cite news|title=American Girl's "Homeless" Doll Sparks Outrage |url=http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-homless-doll,0,6659556.story |newspaper=KTLA News |date=October 5, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} These contributions are mainly through its Project Playhouse program.{{cite web |url=http://www.homeaid.org/index.cfm?tdc=dsp&page=donors_highlights |title=Donor Highlight |publisher=HomeAid |access-date=2012-11-30 |archive-date=2008-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029093246/http://www.homeaid.org/index.cfm?tdc=dsp&page=donors_highlights |url-status=dead }}

Global Relevance

Culturally, American Girl is firmly rooted in American historical contexts and belief systems. However, this inherent patriotism prevents the brand from appealing to a global market and attracting international consumers. Moreover, the majority of American Girl products, specifically their films and literature are monolingual, thus limiting multilingual communities from engaging with the brand, while simultaneously fortifying English as the apparent ‘norm’{{Cite book |last=Zaslow |first=Emilie |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1057/978-1-137-56649-2 |title=Playing with America's Doll |date=2017 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=978-1-137-56648-5 |location=New York |language=en |doi=10.1057/978-1-137-56649-2}}.

Reception

= Product reception =

The company has drawn criticism for the expense of the dolls, which cost as much as $125 without accessories as of June 2024{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Lila |date=3 December 2023 |title=How to save on American Girl, LEGO, and more of Google's top 10 'most searched' toys |newspaper=Christian Science Monitor |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2014/1203/How-to-save-on-American-Girl-LEGO-and-more-of-Google-s-top-10-most-searched-toys}} and $161 for a doll, book, and basic accessories.{{Cite web |title=Samantha Parkington™ Doll, Book & Accessories |url=https://www.americangirl.com/products/samantha-parkington-doll-book-and-accessories-02bun45 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=americangirl.com |language=en}} Buyers can easily spend more than $600 for a doll, outfits, accessories, and lunch in the company's store in New York.{{cite news |last=Fierro |first=Christina |date=9 October 2010 |title=How much does an American Girl doll really cost? |newspaper=WalletPop |url=http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/10/09/how-much-does-an-american-girl-doll-really-cost/ |url-status=dead |access-date=13 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013160828/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/10/09/how-much-does-an-american-girl-doll-really-cost/ |archive-date=13 October 2010}}

One critique of the doll line is that due to the price tag and limited purchase locations, the dolls are often inaccessible to the communities they are intended to represent.

Some aspects of the doll's characters and history have also provoked controversy. Some observers questioned why Addy, American Girl's first African-American historical character released in 1993, was portrayed first as a slave (in later stories Addy and her family gain their freedom after the Civil War), while Cecile Rey, American Girl's second black historical character, was portrayed as a well-to-do black girl in New Orleans.{{Cite web |last=Wickouski |first=Sheila |date=2022-04-21 |title='If These Dolls Could Talk': Art Exhibit Explores Role of Black Dolls in U.S. History and Challenges Racial Stereotypes |url=https://msmagazine.com/2022/04/21/new-york-historical-society-black-dolls-feminist-art/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=msmagazine.com}}{{cite news |last=Salkin |first=Allen |date=May 22, 2009 |title=American Girl's Journey to the Lower East Side |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/fashion/24Doll.html?_r=1&em |access-date=2012-11-30}} In 2017, American Girl released their first African-American Girl of the Year, Gabriela McBride, who is portrayed as a dancer, artist, and poet.{{Cite news |date=2017-01-09 |title=The First Black American Girl Of The Year Doll Is Here |language=en-US |work=Black America Web |url=https://blackamericaweb.com/2017/01/08/the-first-black-american-girl-of-the-year-doll-is-here/ |access-date=2018-01-16}}{{Cite web |title=Girl of the Year: Gabriela {{!}} American Girl |url=http://www.americangirl.com/shop/ag/girl-of-the-year-gabriela#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&contentPageSize:& |access-date=2018-01-16 |website=www.americangirl.com |language=en |archive-date=2018-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117075024/http://www.americangirl.com/shop/ag/girl-of-the-year-gabriela#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&contentPageSize:& |url-status=dead }} In 2005, residents of Pilsen (a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois) criticized a passage in the book associated with the Latina-American doll Marisol, claiming it inaccurately depicted their neighborhood as dangerous. A senior public relations associate for American Girl responded to critics saying: "We feel that this brief passage has been taken out of context in the book."{{cite web |title=Marisol in the Middle: 'American' Doll Upsets Latino Neighbors |url=http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3039ad0b2783d93f73073ad7973fba43 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060307224814/http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3039ad0b2783d93f73073ad7973fba43 |archive-date=2006-03-07 |access-date=2005-04-23 |work=News.ncmonline.com}} The 2009 limited-edition release of Gwen, an American Girl character experiencing homelessness, was also deemed as controversial.{{cite news |last=Peyser |first=Andrea |date=September 24, 2009 |title='Homeless' doll costs $95 (hairstyling extra) |work=New York Post |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/homeless_doll_costs_hairstyling_4Ic0hC7Lacpfo8HQbczsQM}}{{cite news |date=September 26, 2009 |title=Flap Over "Homeless" American Girl Doll |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flap-over-homeless-american-girl-doll/}}

In May 2014, the company was met with criticism on social media over its decision to discontinue four characters from the historical collection, two of them, namely African-American Cécile Rey and Chinese-American Ivy Ling, who represented ethnic minorities. They defended their move as a business decision, as they decided to "move away from the character-friend strategy within the line".{{cite news |last=Kindelan |first=Katie |author-link= |date=28 May 2014 |title=American Girl Rebuts Critics After Dropping Minority Dolls - ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/05/american-girl-rebuts-critics-after-dropping-minority-dolls/ |access-date=29 May 2014}}{{cite news |last=Clehane |first=Diane |date=8 July 2014 |title=Why Is American Girl Rebranding Their Historical Line Without An Asian Doll? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianeclehane/2014/07/08/why-is-american-girl-rebranding-their-historical-line-without-an-asian-doll/ |access-date=8 July 2014 |work=Forbes}} The company has also drawn criticism for its recent focus on the contemporary line, specifically the Girl of the Year characters and their backstory, to which was viewed as lacking depth and more critical issues in comparison to the Historical/BeForever characters' backstories.{{cite web |last=Mccall |first=Stephanie |date=17 June 2015 |title=The Evolution of the American Girl Collection and How We Should Respond |url=http://www.business2community.com/strategy/the-evolution-of-the-american-girl-collection-and-how-we-should-respond-01253694 |access-date=18 June 2015 |work=Business 2 Community}} My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic series creator Lauren Faust also expressed her concern and criticism of the line in a Twitter post, stating it "was once radically positive for girls before it was homogenized for money".{{cite web |last=Faust |first=Lauren |date=13 May 2013 |title="Even "American Girls" was once radically positive for girls before it was homogenized for money." |url=https://twitter.com/Fyre_flye/status/333934364599648257 |access-date=18 June 2015 |work=Twitter}}

The American Girl Place store in New York City was the center of a labor dispute with Actors' Equity Association (AEA). On August 3, 2006, 14 of the 18 adult actors at the store's now defunct theater went on strike together.{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Campbell |date=August 4, 2006 |title=Actors at American Girl Place Store Go on Strike |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/theater/04girl.html |url-status=live |access-date=2006-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211165400/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/theater/04girl.html |archive-date=December 11, 2008}} AEA reached a two-year contract effective April 1, 2008. All American Girl Place theatres were subsequently closed in September of that year.{{cite web |date=April 10, 2008 |title=American Girl Place Theatre |url=http://www.actorsequity.org/NewsMedia/news2008/April10.AmericanGirl.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021172850/http://www.actorsequity.org///NewsMedia/news2008/April10.AmericanGirl.asp |archive-date=2012-10-21 |access-date=2012-11-30 |publisher=Actors' Equity}}

In July 2020, an internet meme in the form of a parody advertisement for a fictional Girl of the Year character depicted as a personification of the "Karen" stereotype, wearing a track suit, bob haircut, and openly carrying a semi-automatic pistol while defiantly violating face mask guidelines mandated by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic, provoked criticism from American Girl who took umbrage to the use of their name and trade dress, stating that they were "disgusted" by a post from brand strategist Adam Padilla.{{cite news |last1=McCarter |first1=Reid |title=American Girl calls manager over "Karen" doll parody |language=en-us |work=News |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-girl-calls-manager-over-karen-doll-parody-1844280459 |access-date=7 July 2020}} Shortly after, American Girl issued a statement on Twitter saying that they had no intention to censor the parody.{{Cite web |last=Childs |first=Kelvin |date=2020-07-08 |title=American Girl Walks Back Threat to Sue 'Karen' Doll Parody Meme |url=https://www.cbr.com/american-girl-walks-back-threat-karen-doll-meme/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=CBR |language=en}}

== Permanent underwear controversy ==

In February 2017 the company announced that they were changing the certain doll's bodies to incorporate permanently stitched panties.{{cite web |last=Lutkin |first=Aimée |date=8 February 2017 |title=Everyone's Really Upset That They Can't Take the Panties Off These American Girl Dolls Anymore |url=http://jezebel.com/everyones-really-upset-that-they-cant-take-the-panties-1792137653 |access-date=23 May 2017 |work=Jezebel}} Public reaction to the change—the first since the transition to flesh-colored bodies in 1991—was overwhelmingly negative, as fans of the franchise complained that it stifles customization and devalued a well-established brand "from heirloom quality to be passed down for generations to low-quality retail."{{cite web |last=Kimble |first=Lindsay |title=American Girl Dolls Underwear Controversy |url=http://people.com/babies/american-girl-dolls-underwear-controversy/ |access-date=23 May 2017 |work=People}}{{cite news |title=American Girl doll underwear design causes controversy |work=NBC News |url=http://www.nbc-2.com/story/35497879/american-girl-doll-underwear-design-causes-controversy |access-date=24 May 2017 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523212928/http://www.nbc-2.com/story/35497879/american-girl-doll-underwear-design-causes-controversy |url-status=dead }} The company reversed its decision in May 2017, and customers who bought a doll with permanent underwear were eligible for an exchange to have the dolls retrofitted with conventional torsos.{{cite web |last=Lutkin |first=Aimée |date=22 May 2017 |title=Those Upset About Not Being Able to Take Off American Girl Doll Underwear Have Been Vindicated |url=http://jezebel.com/those-upset-about-not-being-able-to-take-off-american-g-1795434687 |access-date=23 May 2017 |work=Jezebel}}{{cite news |title=Following criticism, American Girl goes back to removable underwear |url=http://www.weau.com/content/news/Following-complaints-American-Girl--424033453.html |url-status=dead |access-date=25 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607120410/http://www.weau.com/content/news/Following-complaints-American-Girl--424033453.html |archive-date=7 June 2017}}{{cite web |last=Kimble |first=Lindsay |date=22 May 2017 |title=American Girl Dolls: Separate Underwear After Backlash |url=http://people.com/babies/american-girl-dolls-underwear-unattached/ |access-date=23 May 2017 |work=People}}

= Storyline reception =

== Representation ==

Critics have discussed the issue of representation in American Girl Doll narratives. The company has stated that the "two most significant elements" in the creation of their stories is authentic specificity and universality. The Vice President of Marketing for American Girl has said that "the doll industry has a very heavy responsibility in reflecting what is true about our society".{{Cite book |last=Zaslow |first=Emilie |title=Playing with America's Doll |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-137-56648-5 |location=New York |pages=141}} Valerie Tripp, author of many of the books in the American Girl series, says that her goal is to teach children to "challenge assumptions" and to teach them tolerance and compassion towards everyone; she promotes optimism and "cheerful skepticism" rather than "anger, resentment, bitterness, and jealousy." Some critics have argued that these narratives lead to a lack of recognition of injustices, maintaining that all Americans share the same privileges regardless of race or ethnicity.{{Cite book |last=Zaslow |first=Emilie |title=Playing with America's Doll |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-137-56648-5 |page=147}}

Kaya'aton'my, a Nez Perce character set in 1764, has a story that takes place before American colonization which has been criticized for avoiding the issue of colonialism through pre-Western contact settings.{{cite thesis |last1=Medina |first1=Veronica E. |title=Theorizing American girl |date=May 2007 |doi=10.32469/10355/4975 |hdl=10355/4975 |doi-access=free |hdl-access=free }}{{page needed|date=December 2023}} American Girl worked with a Nez Perce advisory board in creating Kaya; the advisory board requested that her storyline take place prior to western settlement, when the culture of the Nez Perce tribe was flourishing.{{cite web |last1=G |first1=Paul |title=American Girl Doll "Kaya" Captures Authentically Native Culture |url=https://www.nativeknot.com/news/Native-American-News/American-Girl-Doll-Kaya-Captures-Authentically-Native-Culture.html |website=Native Knot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614192134/https://www.nativeknot.com/news/Native-American-News/American-Girl-Doll-Kaya-Captures-Authentically-Native-Culture.html |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |date=March 20, 2020 |url-status=dead}} According to senior designer manager Heather Northrop, Kaya's face sculpt was crafted specifically for her according to the Nimiipuu's people's beliefs that baring teeth is considered to be impolite.{{Citation |title=Inside the creation of historically accurate American Girl dolls |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce26H5igIpA |language=en |access-date=2022-07-09}} Nanea, a character set in 1941, has a story based on Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson, author of Pearl Harbor Child: A Child's View of Pearl Harbor from Attack to Peace.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Terri |date=August 23, 2017 |title=This Hawaiian grandma inspired American Girl's newest doll |url=https://www.today.com/parents/story-behind-nanea-american-girl-s-hawaiian-doll-t115434 |access-date=2022-07-09 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}} Nanea's character is of split Hawaiian and European ancestry, so American Girl consulted with Nicholson, a woman with the same heritage, as part of an effort to share more inclusive perspectives and authentic stories with their audience.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 18, 2017 |title=Meet the grandma who is the inspiration behind American Girl's new Hawaiian doll |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/36169771/meet-nanea-american-girls-new-native-hawaiian-doll |access-date=2022-07-09 |website=Hawaii News Now |language=en}}

== LGBTQ+ ==

The 2021 Girl of the Year, Kira Bailey, has a storyline that "focuses on her journey to Australia with her mom, where she plans to work at an animal sanctuary"{{Cite web |title=Kira™ Doll & Book |url=https://www.americangirl.com/products/kira-doll-and-book-gvf44 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=americangirl.com |language=en}} which is owned by her married aunts Mamie and Lynette.

== Feminism and gender stereotypes ==

American Girl Dolls were created to provide young girls with role models that were connected to historical events.{{cite journal |last1=Zaslow |first1=Emilie |title=Which Vitamins are in the Chocolate Cake? How American Girl Marketing Has Responded to Shifting Discourses About Gender and Race |journal=The Public Historian |date=February 2021 |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=18–38 |doi=10.1525/tph.2021.43.1.18 |s2cid=234075944 }} American Girl Dolls and their stories are written with the mission of encouraging each child to "follow their inner star." The author says that, "we take pride and care in helping girls become their very best today, so they'll grow up to be the women who make a difference tomorrow."{{cite journal |last1=Chuppa-Cornell |first1=Kim |title=When Fact Is Stranger than Fiction: Hair in American Girl Stories and Dolls |journal=The Lion and the Unicorn |date=2013 |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=107–125 |id={{Project MUSE|520423}} |doi=10.1353/uni.2013.0020 |s2cid=143966777 }} Readers have shared expectations that the stories portrayed in these books will reflect this message of feminism. Readers have also voiced disappointment in the way in which feminism specifically in relation to the professional world is addressed through the books.{{cite journal |last1=Rybas |first1=Natalia |title=American Girl Dolls as Professionals: What Do They Teach about Professions and Professionalism? |journal=M/C Journal |date=25 April 2023 |volume=26 |issue=2 |doi=10.5204/mcj.2953 |doi-access=free }} A critique of readers is that the brand offers empowerment through "girl power" and "self-determination" without addressing the system that leads to gender discrimination and inequalities in the workplace. The books address feminism in the professional world through teamwork, leadership, and talent but critics dislike how the books provide limited resources to work through real life issues females face in the workplace such as imposter syndrome and workplace harassment.

Historical Accuracy

The books have been praised for teaching children about different time periods. However, some critics point out that this interpretation of the past is superficial and inaccurate. In response to this, authors have pointed out that these books are meant for children and at most are meant to give them an idea of the "chronology of American history", introduce them to some key events, an understanding of historical change, and give them an understanding that people of different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds have often been treated differently.{{cite journal |last1=Patterson |first1=L. |title=History through Deaf Eyes |journal=Journal of American History |date=June 2015 |volume=102 |issue=1 |pages=332–333 |doi=10.1093/jahist/jav267 }}

= Fandom =

{{anchor|AGTube}}In 2015, the practice of creating and uploading American Girl doll-based stop motion videos (AGSM for short) was featured in a news report for BBC News' Trending site. Besides stop-motion animations and music videos set to popular music, the report covers recurring subject matters in said clips, such as cyberbullying and other social issues among children and teenagers, along with doll customization, photoshoots, and unboxing videos.{{cite web |last=Thomchak |first=Anne-Marie |date=25 March 2015 |title=AGSM - The secret world of animated doll videos on YouTube - BBC Trending |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua5bW2MQRFE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/ua5bW2MQRFE |archive-date=2021-12-13 |access-date=26 March 2015 |publisher=YouTube |agency=BBC News}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Douglas |date=12 May 2015 |title=It's alive! Alive! Why stop-motion American Girl doll movies are sweeping the Internet |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2015/05/its_alive_alive_why_stop-motio.html |access-date=16 May 2015 |publisher=OregonLive.com}}{{cite news |date=31 March 2015 |title=The secret world of animated doll videos |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-32042509 |work=BBC News}} Social media services such as Instagram and Facebook serve as platforms for fans of the toy line, spawning a community called AGIG, or American Girl Instagram, who photograph their dolls and post their photos on the service.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Audra |date=13 July 2015 |title=Read this: A peek inside Instagram's tween American Girl doll fandom |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/read-peek-inside-instagrams-tween-american-girl-do-222219 |access-date=11 November 2016 |work=The A.V. Club}}{{cite news |date=29 June 2016 |title=These adults are really into dolls |url=https://nypost.com/2016/06/29/these-adults-are-really-into-dolls/ |access-date=11 November 2016 |work=New York Post}}

= Podcast =

In 2019, the American Girls Podcast, a book-by-book exploration of the series, was launched.{{Cite web |last=Kohli |first=Diti |date=2020-10-18 |title=Dolls, books, and 'The Bachelor': Historian pair reflects on their American Girls podcast |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/18/lifestyle/dolls-books-bachelor-historian-pair-reflects-their-american-girls-podcast/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Boston Globe |language=en-US}} Co-hosted by historians Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney, each episode discusses one book from the series, contextualizing the story presented and making connections to elements of relevant pop culture. The podcast received positive attention from The New York Times.{{cite news |last=Lyons |first=Margaret |date=23 August 2019 |title='American Girl' & Me |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/23/arts/american-girl-podcast.html |newspaper=The New York Times}} In May 2022, the American Girl Podcast Network was launched.{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Cole |date=2022-05-24 |title=Mattel launches family-friendly American Girl Podcast Network |url=https://kidscreen.com/2022/05/24/mattel-launches-family-friendly-american-girl-podcast-network/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=KidScreen}}{{Cite web |last=McGuire |first=Jen |date=2022-05-25 |title=American Girl Just Released A Fun New Mystery Podcast Series Featuring Molly |url=https://www.romper.com/entertainment/american-girl-podcast-network-mystery-series |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=Romper |language=en}} The first series of the network, American Girl 10-minute Mysteries, followed American Girl doll Molly McIntire as she tried to solve mysteries.

Explanatory notes

References

External links

{{Official website}}
[https://innsofaurora.com/a-message-to-american-girls/ "A Message to All American Girls"]—From Pleasant Rowland, on the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of American Girls.

Category:1980s toys

Category:1986 establishments in Wisconsin

Category:American companies established in 1986

Category:Defunct children's magazines published in the United States

Category:Doll brands

Category:Doll manufacturing companies

Category:Educational toys

Category:Fashion dolls