ToyBook.com just revealed an interesting fact: the development of Claudie Wells was inspired by a tweet from Claudie's author, Brit Bennett.
"The latest addition to the historical doll collection from Mattel‘s American Girl has arrived, and her story and development were spawned by a tweet from a fan who just happened to be a New York Times best-selling author."
Jamie Cygielman, general manager of American Girl said, "The debut of Claudie Wells is a true full-circle moment for American Girl, and it all started with a tweet. “In it, celebrated author Brit Bennett shared her desire to write an American Girl story based on her own experience with the brand. We loved the idea and felt it was the perfect time to celebrate how — after more than 35 years— American Girl has made such a positive impact on the lives of so many. The timing is even more powerful given this incredible resurgence of nostalgic love we’re experiencing from our fans of all ages."
I decided to look for the tweet on Brit Bennett's page, and there it was! It was tweeted the day Courtney released- September 15, 2020:
Brit didn't get her 90's doll wish- probably too soon considering Courtney just released- but she did get to write about a Black American Girl doll, and that's amazing!