The Legacy of American Girl Doll

Every year, as the new year approaches, people all across the nation tune in as one very important event occurs. No, I’m not talking about the ball drop or Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. I’m talking about something with even more prestige. Obviously, I’m talking about the announcement of American Girl Doll’s next Girl of the Year.

While this event is targeted more towards the under-ten demographic, no one can doubt its cultural significance. The new Girl of the Year always sets the tone for the year; or, at least, it sets the tone for AG’s year. Each new Girl of the Year has defining characteristics that either mirror the girls who form American Girl’s audience or open windows to new worlds for them. For me, I can still remember the excitement I felt when McKenna, the 2012 Girl of the Year and the doll I got as a sixth birthday present, was a gymnast, just like me. And reading books about the dolls that had different lives and experiences than me was always such an insightful experience, no matter how young I was.

But Girl of the Year isn’t the only aspect of American Girl Doll that provides mentorship to the young girls who look up to the dolls. Book series like “The Smart Girl’s Guide to…” (a popular series that has now become a podcast) and “The Care and Keeping of You” taught girls important lessons on interpersonal relationships and body issues. And now, when bodily autonomy is an issue at the forefront of modern feminism, it is important for young people to have comprehensible health education. And to be honest, those American Girl books taught me a lot more about growing up than health class ever did. For example, The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls and The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls taught me both about menstruation and how to use period products such as pads and tampons. They explained everything from different types of bras to acne to dealing with body odor to shaving—in short, everything a girl going through puberty might not be ready to talk to anyone about, especially since not all parents teach their kids about their bodies. The books teach kids to feel comfortable in their bodies, which shows girls that although it may feel that way at times, we are not alone.

Besides teaching us important lessons about friendship, being yourself, puberty, and empathy, the Historical Dolls, which were rebranded as BeForever in 2014, taught us all about history.

Says aspiring music historian and NHS student Julia Rowe, “I have been interested in history since I was probably 6 or 7 years old which is about when I got totally obsessed with American Girls and they definitely played a large part in that interest. I loved reading all of the dolls' books and how it felt like those books could transport you back into another time period but it was still relatable because the main characters were girls my age. I remember I really liked the American Girl Doll Molly who was from WWII and I made my mom buy me knee socks and plaid skirts so I could dress up like her.”

Julia is not alone. I, too, credit American Girl with my love of learning about history. When learning is fostered outside of school, young people develop a love of learning that is not dependent on grades or just 180 days out of the school year.

Alexandra Piper of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History explains that while many people assume history to be boring, American Girl Doll uses young main characters as an “entry point” for girls to begin to get interested in history.

And though American Girl might be a fond memory of the past for many high schoolers, the brand continues to expand on its theme of inspiring girls. Jason Fontelieu of the Washingtonian reported in 2021 on the American Girl’s new line of dolls, called World by Me. The line features dolls whose stories center on topics like racism, immigration, and environmental activism. By showing young people examples of girls their own age who are strong advocates for themselves and others, American Girl is helping to create a generation of empowered young women.

So as it turns out, the ball drop is not the only New Year’s event I’m celebrating this year. But Girl of the Year is more than a two minute segment on the Today show. It’s a symbol of a brand that has defined the childhoods of girls across the nation… And that has left an iconic legacy in its wake.