American Girl Doll News

Sadly, there are no leaks. Which means it's time for another American Girl History Lesson! Today's topic is the short-lived doll line produced by American Girl, Girls Of Many Lands. Girls of Many Lands dolls are nine inches tall and each represent a 12 year old girl from another time in history. They had books, too. Sounds familiar, right? Here's the twist- they come from different countries. They were sculpted by Helen Kish and meant to be displayed and their prices ranged from $48 to $54. The doll line debuted during the holiday season in 2002 and retired in Fall 2005, so they lasted only 3 years before they went bye-bye! The first five dolls were released at the line's launch in 2002: The first doll was Isabel Campion, a doll who was living in England during Tudor times in 1592. Her book was called Isabel: Taking Wing and was written by Annie Dalton. Her story involved twelve-year-old Isabel dreaming of adventure and finding it, not only on her journey from her London home to her aunt's manor house in Northamptonshire, but also through the healing arts her aunt teaches her. Isabel cost $54. The next doll was Cecile Revel, a doll who was living in France during the rule of King Louis XIV in 1711. Her book was called Cecile: Gates Of Gold and was written by Mary Casanova, who would go on to write 4 series for the Girl of the Year books. Her story involved twelve-year-old Cecile Revel getting a change to leave her peasant life and serve at King Louis XIV's court. She finds life within the palace gates is not as full of ease and elegance as she had imagined. Faced with a test of conscience, Cecile shows that behaving in a noble matter has little to do with one's place at birth. Cecile cost $52. The next doll was Spring Pearl, a doll who was living in China during the Second Opium War in 1857. Her book was called Spring Pearl: The Last Flower and was written by Laurence Yep, who would go on to write 2 series for the Girl of the Year books. Her story involved 12-year-old Chou Spring Pearl getting taken into the home of her father's wealthy benefactor after the deaths of her parents. Unlike most Cantonese girls, Spring Pearl has learned to read and write, but she must now learn a new skill-how to survive in Master Sung's hostile household. While the Second Opium War rages in the streets and harbor of Canton, Spring Pearl faces battles of her own. Spring Pearl cost $50. The next doll was Minuk, a doll who was living in the Alaskan territory during the arrival of American missionaries in 1890. Her book was called Minuk: Ashes In The Pathway and was written by Kirkpatrick Hill. Her story involved Minuk getting intrigued by the Hoffs, the American missionary family that has moved into the village. Although she has seen white men before, she has never seen a white woman- or a white child. It soon becomes clear that although the Hoffs speak the Yup'ik language, they don't understand Yup'ik ways. When Mr. Hoff starts interfering with village ceremonies, even Minuk wonders why the missionary is so sure his ways are better than Yup'ik ways. Minuk cost $50. The last doll in the original release was Neela Sen, a doll who was living in India during the struggle for freedom from the British in 1939. Her book was called Neela: Victory Song and was written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Her story involved 12-year-old Neela Sen knowing her parents will soon arrange a betrothal for her as her old sister is about to marry. But when her father goes to Calcutta to secretly investigate India's growing independence movement and doesn't return, Neela realizes she must do the unexpected--take matters into her own hands. Neela cost $50. The next and final release of Girls of Many Lands dolls were released during the Holiday Season in 2003. The first doll in the final release was Leyla, a doll who was living in Turkey during the Tulip Period in 1720. Her book was called Leyla: The Black Tulip and was written by Alev Lytle Croutier. Her story involved 12-year-old Leyla having to help her family earn enough money to survive after her artist father goes off to war. She makes a deal with marriage brokers-- but discovers too late that she's sold herself into slavery instead. Her journey as a slave takes her to faraway Istanbul, into the harem of the sultan. There she finds her Kismet, or destiny. Leyla cost $54. The next doll was Saba, a doll who was living in Ethopia during the Age Of Judges in 1846. Her book was called Saba: Under The Hyena's Foot and was written by Jane Kurtz, who went on to write the Lanie series. Her story involved twelve-year-old Saba and her older brother getting kidnapped and taken from their rural home to the royal palace at Gondar. Saba finally learns about her long-lost parents -- and her own royal past. With Ethiopia's rulers in the midst of a fierce struggle for control of the throne, what can the King of Kings -- Emperor Yohannes III -- possibly want with her? Saba cost $48. The last doll in the final release was Kathleen Murphy, a doll who was living in Ireland during the Great Depression in 1937. Her book was called Kathleen: The Celtic Knot and was written by Siobhán Parkinson. Her story involved life being noisy and hard but full of love for 12-year-old Kathleen Murphy and her family. Kathleen dreams of living with her favorite aunt, Polly, far from her crowded home and the strict nuns at the convent school. She's surprised to find that she has a talent for dancing--and a chance to win the dance competition! But Kathleen's family has no money for the costume she needs--until Aunt Polly comes to the rescue. Kathleen cost $50. Comment Discussion Question: Do you have any dolls from non-18 inch doll lines from American Girl? My Answer: I have a Bitty Baby that I never use, but I have some BIG NEWS... I'm getting Isabel and Cecile (the Girls Of Many Lands dolls) from my cousins for FREE! #April2016

Today, I debuted a new book. (You probably didn't know I write books, too!) The new book is the junior novel based on my movie, Different! ($6.00) You can buy it here: https://www.createspace.com/5736935 It will be on Amazon in a few days. I am also writing a new BFF Mystery Club book, a book based on my doll April, and another surprise book dropping TOMMOROW! #April2016

Is it Mission Impossible to distinguish Samantha from Just Like You 16? How about Kirsten, #3 and #51? We have all of that, and more, in this special post! Let's start with Samantha and #16- Both #16 and First Incarnation Samantha have lined eyebrows, while Second Incarnation Samantha has feathered. But this is a difference for both incarnations of Samantha and #16- they have different eyes. Samantha has decal brown eyes that only she and Ivy has, and #16 has the regular brown eyes that they introduced with the debut of American Girl Today in 1995. To see the difference, go to the Lissie and Lilly site and click on AG Eye Colors. Next, Kirsten, #3 and #51 Kirsten and #51 have the regular blue eyes, but #3 has the light blue eyes. A way to tell both of them apart from Kirsten is to see if Kirsten has wavy hair when you take braids out, like Molly (I know this because I have Molly). And now, the finale, the impossible until now... HOW TO TELL JUST LIKE YOU 12 AND GWEN APART. Well, seems impossible, right? Wrong. At first glance they look like the same exact doll. But, when you discover THIS, your life will be saved! Just kidding. But if you got a doll claiming to be Gwen without her meet outfit, you will see if it's a fake (#12) or real deal. Look at the Gwen photo on the right. Her bangs are normal AG size on the left, but BANG! Because of Tara's uneven haircut on the right, they are a bit longer than normal! #12, on the other hand, has normal bangs through and through. I know #12 has lined eyebrows, but I don't have either of these dolls, so if any of you guys have a Gwen doll tell me what type of eyebrows she has. If Gwen has feathered than that could be another less confusing way to tell them apart. Did you learn anything from this post? #April2016

Here is the FULL list of what's coming out for AG on Thursday! Girl of the Year: Lea (Or Mini Miss Brazil) This AMAZING white dress that you've already seen before. (Plus a matching one for girls!) A picnic set. (She doesn't have a picnic in her books, and Saige didn't either!) New Lea mini doll in her Rainforest Hike Outfit (which will come with a tree stand) Finally, A New Purchase With Purchase! The new Purchase With Purchase will be the Purple Peacock Pajamas that originally retailed for $24. Truly Me A new pet bed that will have a red, white and blue spaceship print. A bathing suit with a swim cap (they haven't had a swim cap since Chrissa) A leotard that we don't know if it's for ballet or gymnastics yet. A cheerleading outfit that is blue and white. BeForever New Dress Like Your Doll outfits TWO! new outfits for Josefina I am so happy that Josefina is getting some love this release! What will you be getting? #April2016

Today is Molly's birthday! She was born this day in 1934, which makes her 82 today. In her books, Molly has a visitor all the way from England- Emily!- to come help her celebrate. What are you guys doing for Molly's birthday? I had her party yesterday with Felicity. #April2016

My film Lindsey: An American Girl Story will be shown at the Southeast Psych student film festival on Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:00. It is at Cinnebare Movie Theater in Charlotte, North Carolina (8800 Providence Road). Please come! Ticket information will come soon. #April2016

Today is Felicity's birthday! She was born this day in 1765, which makes her 251 today, In her books, Felicity gets her grandmother's guitar for her birthday, but then disobeys her grandfather when she brings it to the Cole's house. On her way to pick the guitar up, there is a dangerous message for the colonists, and Felicity alerts them herself! What are you doing for Felicity's birthday? I'm just having a mini party. #April2016

I found this dress on the cn_4222 eBay account. This is a prototype of Julie's Holiday Outfit. This dress has a very nice fabric. Maybe it will be for something in the future? COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: The dress pictured above or Julie's real holiday outfit? MY ANSWER: This dress for sure. #April2016

Here goes... it goes to.... the very awesome, dedicated and pretty... CHICAGO, ILLINOIS! Also known as the hometown of the first ever American Girl store and former Girls of the Year Lindsey and Marisol. COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: Do you have a account on American Girl World yet? (if no than go click the American Girl World button and make one and come back to this site) If yes, than what's your username? MY ANSWER: Yes! My username is MiaStClair, if you want to message me! #April2016

A non-profit organization in Nashville, Tennessee, called Amputee Blade Runners gave eight-year old Hannah Dembowczyk, a girl with a prosthetic leg, a custom-made American Girl doll with one. When I saw this story on the Internet, I felt like jumping for joy. The fact that somebody (or some organization) wanted to give a girl a doll with her disability that AG doesn't offer made me feel so happy inside. I really wish American Girl made a character doll with a disability. Here' s a picture: This is so cool! I love the miniature prosthetic leg. I really wish American Girl made a character with one, or at least a customization option. I am currently in the process of developing a line of dolls with unique disabilities, and now I know for sure that one WILL have a prosthetic leg. P.S: It's Tuesday, and you know what that means! Comment Discussion Question: Do you think American Girl should offer dolls with prosthetic legs, preferably a BeForever or a Girl of the Year doll? My Answer: Hands down, yes. It stinks having Type 1 Diabetes, and I felt so happy when American Girl released a diabetes kit. I jumped up and down when I heard the news. I'm pretty sure thousands of girls just like Hannah in this article will LOVE to have their doll customized and react like me when the diabetes kit released! #April2016

After a week of pondering, I decided to make my American Girl World again! Here's the link: http://myfirstworld.com/146924 #April2016

Hey! I made a new video! Go check it out! What did you think? #April2016