American Girl Doll News

Missed out on getting a Lea item? Don't fear, Sydney is here! I found a way to still purchase Lea items in three simple steps. 1- Go to American Girl's website. 2- Go the the Shop site with parent's permission (if you will order anything) 3- Search Lea. There you go! Everything in her world but the doll is still up. Here's the link: http://www.americangirl.com/shop/EndecaSearchFromProductDisplayViewAG?productIndex=0¶meterID=4294967282&ntk=productSearch&search=true¤tPage=0&langId=-1&inDimSearch=0&itemsPage=12&catalogId=10051&pageView=grid&sortBy=1&urlLangId=-1&categoryId=&urlRequestType=Base&storeId=10151&criteria=lea I got to go to school! Bye!

I just got emailed by the people from Wix this: "Hi (insert my dad's name here), My name is Paula and I work in the SEO department at Wix.com. I tried contacting you a few weeks ago. Hope you enjoyed the holidays and had an amazing start to the year! As I said, we have retrieved your site, americangirldollnews.com, from a number of best performing sites in terms of SEO at Wix. We are very impressed and would like to compliment you on the great work you've done with your site. We know just how hard SEO can get, and your achievement is truly remarkable. As part of an SEO-focused project, we want to showcase the real SEO heroes of Wix and make your stories inspire other small businesses in order to encourage them to invest in learning about SEO. We would love to showcase your story in this project, and learn about how you managed to place your website as a leader in your industry in such a competitive environment. In order to explain your story, we would need you to fill out a questionnaire. If you are interested in participating we would be happy to send you a coupon for a yearly subscription to thank you for your time. :) Would you like to participate? I will be happy to send you further details and answer any questions you may have." Thank you for this amazing opportunity, guys! I am so proud to be noticed by Wix, and you guys made it happen. I love the AG community!

Kailey/AGRainbows5 on YouTube sent me photos of Gabriela and her collection from her local store in Houston! Please do not share any of these photos without Kailey's permission. COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: What is your new year's resolution? MY ANSWER: To pay more attention in school.

Happy new year, everyone! Let's hope 2017 brings us lots of leaks! So, I went to the American Girl store today to get Gabriela! I met two very nice American Girl Doll News readers, which was awesome. And Gabriela was selling like hotcakes! Every girl there was carrying a Gabriela. Because I faced my firework-phobia, I got to get 2 dolls! I got Gabriela and Truly Me #54, who I named Hope. Meet Gabby McBride! Meet Hope Zhang-Williams! (#54) Gabby has white underwear, like Maryellen and Melody. Hope came with the Truly Me activity. So, the main reason I made this post was to show you some things that leaked for Gabriela's spring release on American Girl's play site. SOURCE: http://play.americangirl.com/play/girl-of-the-year/gabriela/ This looks like Gabriela will get a "Netflix and Chill" set. Just kidding! It's a MP3 player, a chair and ottoman, and some food. It also looks like a blanket will come with this set. My best guess for this set's cost is in the $50-$60 price range. And this looks like Gabriela will get this outfit next release. It makes me think "Julie meets Lea." AMERICAN GIRL TRIVIA: Lindsey got a quiet release, unlike other dolls. COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: Are you getting Gabriela? MY ANSWER: I have Gabriela!

Who won the Imagine GOTY 2017 contest? I started this contest eight months ago, and now it's finally over because her book leaked! \ DISCLAIMER: I judge this based on similarity to Gabriela McBride. Top 10- @americangirlwonder on Instagram with Tenney Grant! @dollloverforlyfe on Instagram with Luna Ashton Lumar! Madeerocks with Tenney Grant! Happiness with Happysasha! Jellybean333 with Kerri! AAMIYAHLIN on Instagram with Nameless! Taylorvictoriabell with Isabella! Factgirl27 with Fern Wilson! Lololime with Leila! Tiamcqueen with Tiaana! Top 5- @americangirlwonder on Instagram with Tenney Grant! 2 Madeerocks with Tenney Grant! 1 Happiness with Happysasha! 3 Lololime with Leila! 5 Tiamcqueen with Tiaana! 4 The third place winner is Happiness with Happysasha! The second place winner is @americangirlwonder with Tenney! And the grand prize winner is.... MADEEROCKS WITH TENNEY GRANT!

Here's Lea Clark's New Year's Eve: If it is not 11:30 pm Eastern time yet for you, it will have a countdown to 11:30. If you do not know what time it will be in your time zone, here's a converter which you can use. It will have your time on the left and another city in the right. Change the "Local time" to a nearby city with the same time zone as you and the random city to New York (a place with the same time zone as me) and then you get your time! Here's the link: http://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ Who's excited?

2016 ranked as one of the worst years ever, but for American Girl Doll News, it was the BEST year ever for this blog! To commemorate my last real post of 2016 (my last post of 2016 will be the link to Lea Clark's New Year's Eve) Let's look back at what we did this year: January: Here's a list of the things that happened in January: -Lea Clark released as the 14th GOTY -I got Lea on January 1 -SM Network and AmericanGirlDollNews celebrated it's second birthday on January 5th -Me, My Camera and Diabetes premiered on January 19 (pictured) -I turned 11 on January 21 -SM Network hit 200 subscribers -And... we had the Great Leak Drought of January! February -American Girl had a spring release. -American Girl partnered with Mega Bloks. -I got Molly on February 18 and April on February 27 -Melody and some of her collection were revealed on February 22 -I switched from Wordpress to Wix on February 28! (pictured) -Lea's full Celebration Outfit, the Melody doll and Melody's accessories leaked March -American Girl had a Truly Me bundle sale -Truly Me #46 retired -I posted my Virtual Dolls (Gosh, I've been slacking with those! I'll work on those over the weekend soon!) -On March 7, there were 300 days until GOTY 2017! Mom wanted her to be a coder. She got her best friend right! -I posted about the Wellies for the first time. I didn't like them at first, but now I own 3! -The Personal Shoppers left the smaller AG stores, including Charlotte. -My first live stream EVER to celebrate the end of Me My Camera and Diabetes Season 1 was on March 14! -Katy Dickson became the CEO of American Girl -American Girl World 1 launched for a couple days, closed, and then AGLover3 (Lin) recreated it (pictured) -Me, My Camera and Diabetes Season 2 premiered on March 22 -Lea to the Rescue's press release came out on March 22 -Production on Lindsey: An American Girl Story started April -It was National Autism Awareness Month. -I pranked you about AG closing! -The WellieWisher series was announced. (Pictured) -American Girl had a Maryellen bundle sale. -Maryellen's Christmas Party Dress, Melody's Christmas Dress and Melody's mini doll leaked -American Girl World 1 came back! -Lindsey: An American Girl Story released on April 15. -American Girl had a release on the 28th. -We learned that the American Girl outlet was closing. -Production on Different started. May -I got Jade on May 12 -On May 3, Lindsey: An American Girl Story was screened at the Cinnebarre in Charlotte- where I won first place in the elementary/middle school category! (pictured) -The Ombre Ballet Dress, Samantha's Costco holiday outfit, Tenney's dog Waylon, the Pomeranian Pajamas, the Wellie Wishers book covers, Josefina's Festival Outfit, Julie's New Year's Eve Outfit and Josefina's Navidad Outfit leaked -I became a Miraculer! (Miraculous Ladybug fan) -We learned that the temporary store in Indianapolis was coming back -On May 12, we learned about the new NYC "Store of the Future" -American Girl started testing TM dolls for a $98 price -The Lea To The Rescue Movie premiered on May 23 -We learned about the new AG store in Toronto -Lea To The Rescue released on digital HD on May 31 June -Smores was born on June 6! -I published the first four character descriptions for Special Dolls -Maryellen's Strawberry Outfit, the Enchanting Winter Outfit, the Fancy Frost Ballgown and the Silver-Print Cat Tee leaked -The prosthetic limb doll video went viral! -I announced American Girl World 2 -The Wellie Wishers released on June 23 (pictured) -American Girl announced the Bitty Twins were retiring -Grace Stirs Up Success aired on June 11 on Disney Channel -I graduated elementary school! -I received the Melody Book Series to review from American Girl -We found out Melody was going to have a movie -Different released on June 21 -The Lea To The Rescue DVD released on June 14 -The Special Dolls drawings and personalities were revealed July -I got Beckie and Samantha! -The Merry Magenta Dress, the Gourmet Kitchen Set (pictured), TM #65 (Emerald), the Dining Table and Chairs, the Waffle Breakfast Set, Melody's purse, the Sparkle And Spin Ice Skating Outfit, the Golden Sparkle Outfit, the Salon Chair and Wrap set, the Truly Blue Hairstyling Caddy, the Hairstyling Essentials Set, the Ready To Style Hair Care Kit, Gabriela's Sparkling Sequins Outfit, the Tartan Tafetta Dress, a unknown Kit outfit and a AG exclusive swimsuit leaked -The Temporary Store 2016 locations were revealed -AG Rewards released! -American Girl and Scholastic announced their partnership and the Contemporary Line -The 29th American Girl Benefit Sale happened on July 16 and July 17 -The temporary store in Indianapolis opened on July 8 -I celebrated one year of living with diabetes on July 22 -The opening date of the temporary store in Detroit was announced -The release date of Melody was revealed -The first two books in Gabriela's and Tenney's series, and the Story of America- American Girl DK Book were listed on Amazon -American Girl World 2 released on July 14 -The American Girl Outlet closed August -I got Melody! -I helped out at an American Girl doll camp. It was so much fun, and I'm doing it again next year! -I got Smores! -The Purple Sparkle Outfit, the Winter Wishes Outfit, the Holiday Penguin PJs, a unknown BeForever outfit, Truly Me #66, the Snow Good to See Outfit, the Tiered Tropical Skirt, the Tropical Print Dress, the Green Gladiator Sandals, the Costco Sleepover Pajamas, a Tenney shirt, the Winter Friends Ice Skating Outfit and the Love And Caring Carraige leaked -It was announced that the American Girl Fashion Show program was ending -It was announced that Raleigh would get a temporary store -American Girl had a Back-To-School sale -The name Nanea Mitchell was trademarked -The SM Network hit 300 subscribers! -Z Crew Season 2 premiered on AG's YouTube channel -It was confirmed that Z would be a doll! -AG Rewards members had the chance to pre-order Melody -We got behind-the-scenes photos from Melody: 1963- Love Has To Win -American Girl released Melody on August 25 (pictured) -The Lady's Slipper, The Runaway, Message In A Bottle, The Rainstorm Brainstorm, The Mystery of Mr. E, Camille's Mermaid Tale, the Tenney mini doll, the Gabriela mini doll and Felicity's series were listed on Amazon -Truly Me #41 and #43 retired -I interviewed Laurie Calkhoven, an American Girl author -American Girl announced that they were opening shop-in-shops at Toys R Us -I started middle school September -I got Sonali! (pictured) -American Girl had a Truly Me bundle sale -American Girl announced that they were selling Lea and WellieWishers at Kohl's -A dog and a cat for Costco, Logan's meet top, a skirt for Tenney, Gabriela's cat Maya, Felicity's book summaries, a tote bag for Bitty Baby, the covers for the 2017 Mystery Books, the covers for 2/3 of the new Wellie Wishers books, the Pale Pink & Tweed Outfit and Tenney's location leaked -The American Girl tablet was announced -The Sleepover Set came out at Costco October -I got Gwen, Rose and Mia! -Snickerdoodle turned 2 on October 4. -Melody's movie released on October 21. (Pictured) -I interviewed Kathleen Ernst, the author of Caroline's series! -Gabriela's meet outfit, Gabriela's Pajamas, Gabriela's name, looks and interests, a unknown outfit, Felicity's undergarments, a Truly Me swimsuit, information on the first WellieWisher episode, Felicity's meet outfit, Express Yourself with Gabriela, Tenney's pajamas, a Truly Me outfit, a Tenney shirt, new shoes, a Truly Me shirt, leaked -The Purple Sparkle Outfit became the Purchase with Purchase. -American Girl had a Truly Me bundle. -The Snow Good To See You Outfit became the online Purchase with Purchase. -The Maryellen movie was announced. -On October 14, the AGP Chicago started piercing girl's ears. -The WellieWisher series premiered on October 14! -It was announced that Lea To The Rescue would air on Disney Channel on November 23. -American Girl trademarked "Z Yang". -The Toys R Us Shop-In-Shops opened on October 29. -American Girl phased out the Truly Me activity. -American Girl had free shipping! -Samantha became available at Costco. November -I got Willow! -It was National Diabetes Awareness Month. -A ballet outfit for Truly Me, a outfit for Tenney, a swimsuit for Maryellen, a robe for Truly Me, a sparkly dress for Tenney, assorted pieces, a 2017 Truly Me dress, a outfit for the Contemporary Line, a music outfit for Truly Me, a basketball outfit for Julie, Tenney's Journal book cover and information on Tenney leaked -American Girl's Grace Mega Bloks set won a People's Play Award. -Maryellen's movie came out on November 25. (Pictured) -American Girl had a sale! -American Girl had their annual Cyber Monday sale! -A book for Tenney and another contemporary character got listed on Amazon. -American Girl had 20 dollars off the BeForever bundles on November 10th ONLY! -American Girl had free shipping! -I published my most popular post of 2016, "I can't say!" -On November 23, two American Girl movies aired on Disney Channel back-to-back. -American Girl trademarked Popcorn, Luciana, Emory and Averly. December -I got Jessica, McKenna, Lynlee, Emerald, Ashlyn, Mayah, Nellie, Marie-Grace, Camille and Maesi! -The Dream Pajamas, information about Tenney and Logan, information about Felicity's retirement, Tenney, Felicity, Gabriela and her collection, Gabriela's book cover, a Truly Me dress, Logan's meet outfit, a sports tee, sparkle jeans, a shirt for Truly Me, a Truly Me dress, Felicity's book covers and The Mystery of Mr. E's cover leaked! -American Girl had Daily Deals! -SM Network TV launched! -We finally got a GOTY with a disability! -American Girl had free shipping! -Gabriela was revealed on Good Morning America on December 29, 2016. -Melody's movie was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards! -American Girl announced that they are opening stores in the Middle East in 2017! -Lea sold out on December 19. -American Girl released emojis for iMessage! -The dolls without hair were released in the flagship stores! -American Girl trademarked Luciana Vega. -I got Gabriela's first book early! And now, for AGDN's statistics for 2016 (I lost my stats from the early months when I switched to Wix, so this is incomplete): 457,334. That's how much visits AGDN got this year. The biggest stadium in the United States, Michigan Stadium, holds 109,901 people. So that means that if my blog was a show at the Michigan Stadium, than it would take 5 shows for that many people to see it! The United States was the country where my blog was most visited in. It's followed by Canada, Great Britan and Australia. This year, most of you guys used smartphones to view my site. Here are my top 5 most popular posts for 2016: 5- New Gabriela McBride, GOTY 2017, Clues!- October 14, 2016 4- Girl Of The Year 2017 HOT STUFF!- October 7, 2016 3- Gabriela- Girl Of The Year 2017 Collection!- December 12, 2016 2- Let's Think... GOTY 2017!- February 28, 2016 1- Girl Of The Year 2017 Leaks! (UPDATED 12/26/16)- November 18, 2016 My top post alone has gotten me 29,864 views. THANK YOU AGDN READERS! Let's hope for a amazing 2017!

This is just going to be a quick post because I'm at Lowes, but I found a picture of Gabriela's earrings in the AG catalog!

I got the new AG catalog early! I used this catalog and backlinks on American Girl.com to help find the stock photos for Gabriela! Gabriela Doll And Book- $115 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT49_Gabriela_Doll_Book_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to see the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 4. Comes with doll, book, meet outfit, headband and 10 hairbands. Gabriela's Accessories- $28 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT24_Gabriela_Accessories_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 2. Gabriela's Outfit For Girls- Sweater $42, Leggings $24 SOURCES: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/DYL71_Gabriela_McBride_Sweater_Girls_1?$null$ http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/DNX54_Indigo_Leggings_Girls_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 2. Proof that AG reused the same TM girl leggings for Gabriela: Gabriela's Creative Studio Set- $58 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FFB50_Gabriela_Creative_Studio_Set_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 5. Gabriela's Rehersal Outfit- $28 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT23_Gabriela_Rehearsal_Outfit_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 4. Gabriela's Tap Shoes- $16 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT26_Gabriela_Tap_Shoes_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 2. Gabriela's Showtime Kit- $34 Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 2. SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/DVM08_Gabriela_Showtime_Kit_1?$null$ Gabriela's PJs- $24 The link wasn't working on this one, so I used the prior image from @deenaandbeena. Gabriela's PJ's For Girls- $40 + Slippers $22 SOURCES: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT55_Gabriela_McBride_PJs_Girls_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 2 on the pajamas and there's only one image for the slippers. Gabriela's Sparkling Sequins Outfit- $32 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/DYP29_Gabriela_Sparkling_Sequins_Outfit_1?$null$ Play with the numbers to find the other sources. Numbers range from 1 to 3. Gabriela's Performance Case- $48 The link on this one wasn't working, either- so here's the photo from Hello Savings. SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/Hellosavings/photos/a.1709336192655921.1073741829.1700303063559234/1830292510560288/?type=3&theater Gabriela's Cat- $22 SOURCE: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/FDT25_Gabriela_Cat_1?$null$ APOLOGY: I am so sorry about what I did to @AGUpdateNews yesterday. When someone told me about her Insta story, I did what Mom calls a "Nuclear React" and DMed her. Everything I did was all my fault and I have no excuses but the fact that I was scared to ask. Everything's OK now between me and Victoria, but if you are angry at me forever, get off my site. COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: Are you excited for tomorrow night's Lea Clark Live special at 11:30 pm Eastern time? MY ANSWER: Yes! It will be streamed on my YouTube and Instagram.

I found more Gabriela photos on Good Housekeeping and AZ Central. Here they are: SOURCE- AZ Central (http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/kids/2016/12/29/american-girl-doll-of-the-year-gabriela-mcbride/95885710/) SOURCE- Good Housekeeping (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/news/a42132/new-american-girl-doll-gabriela/)

PR Newswire just published the press release for Gabriela, and before you read it, I need to share with you the biggest scoop of them all! SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-girls-2017-girl-of-the-year-inspires-girls-to-find-their-creative-voices-and-speak-out-to-make-a-difference-300384030.html "And—for the first time—the new Girl of the Year collection will be available for a full 12 months and beyond." HOLY COW! A AG employee told me yesterday that Gabriela will not be the last GOTY, Does this mean- Gabriela will be moved to the contemporary line in 2018 and Luciana will take over and then Luciana will be moved too for GOTY 2019? If so, hooray for diverse storylines! The AG employee also told me that Gabriela's fourth book will be published sometime in 2018. Here's the press release (important stuff will be bolded): "American Girl is ringing in the New Year with the debut of Gabriela McBride™, the company's new 2017 Girl of the Year™! Gabriela is a true creative talent who uses the power of poetry to help her break down barriers and overcome a personal challenge with stuttering. Gabriela comes to life for girls via a beautiful 18-inch Gabriela™ doll featuring curly dark-brown hair and warm brown eyes, an exclusive outfit that reflects her creative side, and a book chronicling her story. Gabriela also comes with several performance-inspired outfits and accessories, including a dance barre, rehearsal and dance outfits, plus pretend headphones and a microphone. Additional Gabriela products and books will be available starting in spring 2017, and—for the first time—the new Girl of the Year collection will be available for a full 12 months and beyond. Gabriela's story will be told in a series of three books published by Scholastic and written by Teresa E. Harris. The first book Gabriela, hits shelves in January and tells the story of a quiet and creative girl growing up in a family of artists. Gabriela inherited a love of the arts from her parents, especially her mother, but spoken word poetry is becoming her own passion. Although Gabriela often finds herself in a battle with her own words because of her stuttering, she discovers that her poetry, filled with wit and honesty, helps her speech flow more easily and gives her the confidence to find her voice to help save her beloved community arts center from being torn down. To connect both boys and girls with Gabby's inspiring message, American Girl is partnering with Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and leader in comprehensive educational materials, to create and distribute Express Yourself, a custom curriculum program that teaches 3rd-5th grade students how to use poetry as a tool for self-expression. The free materials will be available on www.scholastic.com starting March 1, 2017, and include teacher lessons and corresponding classroom activities, a poetry poster, plus parent tips and learning ideas to do at home. In addition, to celebrate National Poetry Month, the program also features a poetry contest for students that will run throughout the month of April. The Express Yourself program will encourage all students to find their creative voices and share their own personal stories, while building confidence along the way. Other Gabby-related initiatives being held throughout the year include the following: Gabriela Online Play: Girls can visit the Gabby-dedicated site at americangirl.com/girloftheyear for free book excerpts, videos, activities, wallpaper and e-cards, and much more. Gabriela Retail Events: On January 1, American Girl stores are hosting Gabriela's Debut Event, where girls will get a first look at her full product collection, plus enjoy in-store activities, colorful crafts, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. For more details on the in-store events, visit americangirl.com/stores. The Gabriela collection is available on January 1, 2017, through American Girl's catalogue; at americangirl.com; at all American Girl retail locations nationwide; at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in Mexico City; and at Toys "R" Us stores starting in March. The Gabriela books can also be purchased through retail and online booksellers.

It's official- Gabriela is the 2017 Girl of the Year! About 20 cute little girls got her early- I was cheering them on because the black girls were SO happy to see a doll like them and the white girls didn't care what skin color she had! They also revealed some pieces from her collection, including her big ticket item for now, until when the real BTI comes out in the spring. ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/american-girls-2017-girl-year-gabriela-mcbride-dancer/story?id=44434450) says this about Gabriela: "Gabriela is described in a press release from the doll maker as a “true creative talent” who uses poetry to help “break down barriers” and overcome her “personal challenge” of stuttering. Gabriela comes with a book and performance-inspired outfits, plus a microphone and pretend headphones. Additional Gabriela products and books will be available starting in spring 2017, according to American Girl. The series of three books about Gabriela are authored by Teresa E. Harris. The books will chronicle Gabriela’s childhood in a family of artists and how finding her voice through poetry helps Gabriela save her beloved community arts center from destruction. In addition to the books and doll, American Girl is partnering with Scholastic to release a curriculum program, “Express Yourself,” to teach poetry to students. The program will also feature a poetry contest for kids to celebrate National Poetry Month in April." I can't wait for Gabriela to release! AMERICAN GIRL TRIVIA: The first year of Good Morning America's GOTY reveal, only four girls got the GOTY (Isabelle) early, much to the sadness of the others. AG and ABC claim that the other girls got the dolls off-screen, but this has not been proven true. COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: I know there's 3 days until Gabriela, but who can't wait to see GOTY 2018? MY ANSWER: MEEE! And 2019, and 2020! Gosh, leaking is a full time job.