User:Heidilaura/List of American Girl dolls

The American Girls

Kaya, 1764

Kaya (pronounced KY-yah) is a Native American girl of the Nez Perce tribe. Kaya's full name is Kaya'aton'my, or "she who arranges rocks." Her story takes place in America's Northwest in the state of Idaho in 1764, before white settlers disturbed the Native American way of life in the west. Kaya was introduced in 2002 and American Girl reportedly worked with a Nez Perce panel of consultants in creating her stories and collection. A glossary is included for the many Nez Perce words and phrases, and many words are spelled phonetically.

Felicity Merriman, 1774

Described as a horse-loving colonial girl living in Williamsburg, Virginia, who is caught between Patriot and Loyalist family and friends at the onset of the American Revolution, themes in her core books include loyalty and staying true to one's ideals. Many items from Felicity's collection were retired in the early 2000s. However, following the success of the made-for-TV adaptation of Samantha's stories, Felicity's core books were dramatized and Felicity: An American Girl Adventure aired on the WB on November 29, 2005.

Josefina Montoya, 1824

María Josefina (ho-se-FEE-na) Montoya is Mexican, living in what is now the US state of New Mexico when it was still a part of Mexico in Santa Fe. She and her three older sisters must face a new way of life after the death of their beloved mother and the arrival of their Tía (Aunt) Dolores. Josefina's family speaks Spanish, so there are many Spanish words and phrases in her books, which also include a glossary/pronunciation guide. Josefina was the last doll introduced before the Mattel takeover (although Kit and Kaya were in development) and the second of three dolls to have a cultural panel to assist in her creation (the first being Addy and the third being Kaya).

Marie-Grace Gardner, 1853

Marie-Grace just moved to New Orleans with her father and her loyal dog Argos. When yellow fever breaks out Marie-Grace helps the City of New Orleans.

Cecile Rey, 1853

Cecile has spent her entire life in New Orleans. When yellow fever spreads she finds an epidemic to help the City of New Orleans

Kirsten Larson, 1854

Kirsten (Keer-sten or Kur-sten) Larson is a Swedish immigrant who lives in the Minnesota Territory with her extended family. She faces the hardships of adjusting to life as a pioneer in a new and unfamiliar country and the challenge of learning a new language. Kirsten was one of the first three dolls produced by American Girl. Unlike many of the dolls, Kirsten's books have maintained their original illustrations (with the exception of the covers). Like Josefina, Kirsten's collection initially included many period-appropriate products which are now only available on the secondary market.

Addy Walker, 1864

Addy Walker is a fugitive slave who escaped with her mother from North Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War after her master split up her family. Addy dreamed of a new life of freedom but realizes that starting over means starting from the bottom and facing on-going prejudice and racism. According to the New York Times Addy was not without controversy: "In 1993 critics attacked the company for making Addy a slave at the start of her stories, wondering why the company could not have chosen a post-slavery era for its African-American doll." Addy's core books were written by Connie Porter and originally illustrated by Melodye Rosales and Bradford Brown, but later redrawn by Dahl Taylor. Currently the historical line's only African-American, Addy was the fifth doll to be added to the collection.

A play about Addy was commissioned and produced by the Seattle Children's Theater in 2007. Entitled Addy: An American Girl Story, the play was taken on limited national tour from January through May 2008 through Kids Entertainment, Inc.

Samantha Parkington, 1904

Samantha is an only child growing up during the Edwardian period (although American Girl designated her as Victorian). Orphaned at age five and raised by her wealthy Victorian-era grandmother in fictional Mount Bedford, New York, Samantha befriends a poor servant girl named Nellie O'Malley. Eventually Samantha, Nellie and Nellie's young sisters are adopted by Samantha's uncle and aunt. Samantha book themes include women's suffrage, child labor, and classism.

Red Om Productions produced "Samantha, An American Girl Holiday," in cooperation with American Girl. This made-for-TV movie starred AnnaSophia Robb, then 10, as Samantha and Mia Farrow as Samantha's grandmother. The show premiered on WB Television Network in November 2004 and was released to DVD soon thereafter.

American Girl coined the term 'archive' when it ceased production and sales of Samantha, Nellie, and their collections in May 2009, a unique move in the company's history to date for historical characters.

Nellie O'Malley, 1904

Samantha's best friend Nellie was born to Irish immigrants, and initially lives and works next door to Samantha's grandmother. She personifies the working-class experience of the time and teaches Samantha about the conditions faced by children who work in factories. Nellie and her sisters are later orphaned and adopted by Samantha's relatives. In 2004, American Girl broke new ground by introducing Nellie O'Malley as Samantha's "Best Friend." She came with a small collection of clothing and sold with a book written by Valerie Tripp entitled "Nellie's Promise. " Set in 1906, Nellie is determined to honor the promise she made to her deceased mother while keeping peace in her new family and holding true to her ideals.

Production and sales of Nellie and her collection officially ceased as of May 2009, although the mini doll remains available.

Rebecca Rubin, 1914

Rebecca Rubin, American Girl's tenth historical character, debuted on May 31 2009. She is a 9-year-old girl of Russian-Jewish descent whose maternal grandparents and parents immigrated to the Lower East Side of New York City. Rebecca is fascinated by the budding film industry and aspires to become an actress, but her family of Russian immigrants disapprove of acting and movies. Her six core books, written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene, focus on issues related to assimilation and accommodation to mainstream American culture while incorporating familial, religious, and cultural traditions and beliefs. Rebecca is the third historical character whose books break from the original titling pattern (following precedent set by Kaya and Julie).

Kit Kittredge, 1934

Kit Kittredge faces the hard times of the early years of the Great Depression in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her family struggles to adjust to the realities of the economy after Kit's father loses his job. Kit's full name is Margaret Mildred Kittredge, with Kit as a family nickname. Kit's core series of books was written by Valerie Tripp and illustrated by Walter Rane. The Kit doll debuted in 2000.

A feature film Kit Kittredge: An American Girl was released to theaters on July 2 2008, starring Abigail Breslin, then 12, as Kit. Many new items were added to Kit's collection as product tie-ins to the movie. Kit is the second doll to have her own Nintendo DS game, "Kit Mystery Challenge". Kit also has a PC video game called "A Tree House of My Own".

Ruthie Smithens, 1934

Ruthie is Kit's best friend. Her family is well-off compared to the financial struggles of Kit's family. The character of Ruthie adores fairy tales, idolizes movie stars, is generous and often tries to help Kit but sometimes wounds her friend's pride instead. Her accompanying book, "Really Truly Ruthie" by author Valerie Tripp, is set in late December 1932 and showcases how Ruthie helps the Kittredge family save their home from foreclosure. Ruthie is the fifth doll in the Best Friends collection, released July 1 2008 with a small collection in anticipation of the Kit movie.

Molly McIntire, 1944

Molly's story is set during World War II. Molly lives in Jefferson, Illinois with her parents and three siblings and helps family and loved ones stay cheery during the war while her physician father is stationed in England caring for wounded soldiers. Molly's six core books focus on themes of teamwork, family adaptation to the father being gone during the war, and setting and maintaining priorities. Molly was one of the original three dolls offered by Pleasant Company and is the only doll to be sold with eyeglasses. Molly has a large collection based on fashions from the World War II era.

Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front was the third TV movie based on the historical characters and the only one to air on the Disney Channel on November 26 2006. The movie stars Maya Ritter, then 13, as Molly, and Molly Ringwald as Mom. The movie deviates from the books in many ways, including the omission of the youngest brother, Brad, from the family.

Emily Bennett, 1944

Emily Bennett is an English girl who is unexpectedly sent to America to temporarily stay with the McIntires for two weeks in the story "Happy Birthday, Molly!". At first Molly thinks of Emily as snobby and prim, but their bond strengthens when they discover a shared fascination for the English princesses and other girlish pursuits. Emily is the third doll in the "Best Friends" collection. She was released September 5 2006 in anticipation of the Molly made-for-TV movie. Since Emily is not Molly's "best friend" according to Molly's stories, she was marketed instead as "Molly's English friend." Her accompanying book, "Brave Emily," by author Valerie Tripp is set in 1944. Its "Looking Back" section discusses children during WWII who were sent outside of Europe for safety.

Julie Albright, 1974

Julie Albright is a ten year-old girl growing up in San Francisco, California during the period of September 1975-76. Her six main books were written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Robert Hunter and Susan MacAliley. Her series is the second to break from the traditional titling pattern (Kaya was the first, as noted above). She is the first historical character to have divorced parents. Following the divorce, Julie moves with her mother and older sister to a different part of the city, leaving behind her pet bunny and best friend Ivy. She visits her father on the weekends. Julie's books focus on gender equality in school sports, America's Bicentennial celebration, preserving endangered species (such as the bald eagle), and running for class president. Her stories also touch on the Disability rights movement, feminism, the Vietnam War, Earth Day and Watergate and deal with general issues of responsibility and adapting to change. Many references to the events and zeitgeist of the mid-1970s are included.

The Julie doll was released September 10, 2007. She is the second character to have her own computer game, Julie Saves the Eagles. (Previous computer software such as The American Girl Premiere 1st and 2nd Edition and American Girl Dolls were themed around multiple dolls). Julie is also the first American Girl character to have her own Nintendo DS game, Julie Finds a Way.

In 2008, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas reported that she was outlining a movie proposal entitled "Julie: An American Girl Musical."

Ivy Ling, 1974

Ivy Ling is a Chinese American girl who also lives in San Francisco. She is Julie's best friend. Her solo book is entitled "Good Luck, Ivy" by children's author Lisa Yee. The book is set in May/June 1976 and focuses on Ivy's conflict with gymnastic competition obligations and her family traditions and responsibilities. The "Looking Back" section in her book is about Chinese-American history. The Ivy doll debuted with Julie, thus being the first "Best Friend" doll to be released with the main character. Ivy is also the first Asian doll in the historical collection. She has a very limited collection to date.

Limited Edition Girl of the Year Characters

Beginning in 2001, American Girl introduced Limited Edition Girl of Today dolls, which feature smaller, specific collections and individual storybooks, similar to the historical doll's "Meet" book. Although each collection is specific to the doll's character, each features accessories based on the book's plotline. These dolls remain available from American Girl for only one year following their release.

2001: Lindsey Bergman

Lindsey was the first of the "Girls of the Year" series. Described as a girl "who is eager to help," her accompanying book details the difficulties her impulsive attempts at "helping" can cause. Lindsey is Jewish, and her book touches on her brother's Bar Mitzvah experience and party plans. A small collection consisting of a scooter set and laptop accompanied her release.

2003: Kailey Hopkins

Kailey Hopkins lives near tide pools in California and is an avid swimmer and surfer. When development threatens to destroy the tide pools, she engineers a protest to make a difference. Kailey's collection included various beach outfits and toys.

2005: Marisol Luna

Marisol Luna is a Latina girl who aspires to be a dancer. She moves from Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to a suburb that does not have a dance studio where she can practice her favorite ballet folklorico dances. Introduced during the Christmas season of 2004, Marisol's extensive collection of dance outfits and accessories sold out in early December 2005.

2006: Jess Akiko McConnell

Jess Akiko McConnell accompanies her archeologist parents on a several months-long expedition to Belize where she learns new lessons about responsibility and preservation of history. To illustrate her mixed Japanese-American and Irish heritage, the Jess doll debuted with a unique face mold

2007: Nicki Fleming

Nicki Fleming is an animal lover, and ranch girl who volunteers to train a service dog nammed Sprocket when her mother cannot because she is pregnant with twins. Nicki also faces friendship difficulties which test her loyalties. Nicki was the first Girl of the Year to have two books: "Nicki" and "Thanks to Nicki", both by Ann Howard Creel. Nicki's extensive clothing and accessory collection sold out in mid December 2007.

2008: Mia St. Clair

A preview of the 2008 Limited Edition doll, Mia, was unveiled on the November 21 2007 episode of Oprah. She was released on January 1 2008 with numerous outfits, accessories, an ice rink, and furniture. Following the precedent set by Nicki, Mia has two books: Mia and Bravo Mia, both written by Laurence Yep. Her stories chronicle her passion for competitive figure skating, which is at odds with her hockey-playing family. The Mia character is featured in a computer game called "Mia Goes For Great!" Mia sold out on the American Girl website on December 17, 2008.

2009: Chrissa Maxwell

The collection of Chrissa Maxwell was released on January 1, 2009. An accompanying direct-to-DVD film entitled "Chrissa Stands Strong" based on her story premiered January 5 and became available for purchase the next day. The theme of Chrissa's books and DVD focuses on peer bullying issues. Both books are written by Mary Casanova (author of previous Girl of the Year Jess' adventure and a book for the now-defunct AG Girl of Many Lands line). In a break from tradition, Chrissa's collection included two best friend dolls named Gwen and Sonali. Sonali debuted a new face mold meant to represent her Asian Indian heritage.

2010: Lanie Holland

Lanie Holland also has two books written for her. She was released on January 1, 2010. She loves nature, and was the first doll to come with a camper, and hamock. Her accessories came with a laptop with interchangible screens, and a pet bunny.

2011: "Kanani Akina"

Kanani lives in Hawaii. She and her family operate a shaved ice stand. The shaved ice stand is part of Kanani's collection.

2012 " McKenna Brooks"

McKenna is a gymnast. She loves gymnastics. She has trouble with reading at her school because it is really hard. She has to get a tutor named Josie.