Girls of the Year
From American Girl Dolls Wiki
Girls of the Year, also known as Limited Edition dolls, are dolls that are only available for one year before retirement. [1] Originally, they were classified as American Girl Today, but with Jess McConnell the line was separated.
Girls of the Year were introduced in 2001 with Lindsey Bergman. Each doll is a modern girl with some sort of central theme or hobby that she is marketed with. While some dolls have sold out before the end of the year (Marisol and Nicki most prominently), the new doll is still not released until January first.
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[edit] Traits of the Girls of the Year
Girls of the Year are always modern-day characters that are about ten years old in modern-day America during the year of her release. [2] The character is given a story that expands on her personality, a specific situation she is involved in, and/or hobbies. This creates an overarching theme for the year which is expanded in the collection. Although the line started modestly, Girls of the Year now have collections including multiple outfits and at least one large item such as furniture.
[edit] Books
The Girl of the Year comes bundled with a book at a little longer length than a American Girl Historical Character story targeted to ages eight and up. Originally the stories and books were smaller at only about five or six chapters, but now the books have around ten short chapters each.
Since Nicki Fleming, Girls of the Year have been released with two books each. The first book is bundled with the doll and the second is available separately. This expands the story beyond the first book and allows for a more rounded image of the character through the year. The books originally had an after-story section which discuss real life girls who have done the same things the character has done (for example, Nicki's books talk about other girls who have worked with service animals); Mia's had a question and answer section about sports, and Chrissa's has a question and answer section about friendship and bullying. The books are all written in first person narrative from the viewpoint of the Girl of the Year.
[edit] Timeline
Currently, the Girl of the Year is released on January first with two paperback books about her, some extra clothing and accessories, and sometimes furniture or larger items. A "starter collection" of the the doll with some of her beginning outfits and a few accessories come bundled at discount.
Later in the year near the summer or fall a second selection of items is released and the character's "whole world" collection is then available for purchase bundled at a discount. The collection remains available through December, at which points things that become sold out are retired. After the collection is fully retired, Girl of the Year books remain available from American Girl for purchase.
In 2009 Chrissa Maxwell came with two companion dolls: Gwen Thompson and Sonali Matthews. This is the first time that a Girl of the Year has come with companions or any accompanying dolls, and it is unknown if this will be repeated in future releases.
[edit] Girl of the Year Dolls
There are currently seven Girl of the Year dolls:
- Lindsey Bergman was released in 2001; she lasted a little over a year and a half.
- Kailey Hopkins was released in 2003.
- Marisol Luna was released in 2005.
- Jess McConnell was released in 2006.
- Nicki Fleming was released in 2007.
- Mia St. Clair was released in 2008.
- Chrissa Maxwell was released in 2009.
[edit] Girl of the Year Companions
Companion dolls, or friend dolls, portray the best friends of the Girls of the Year. They do not come with story books. Chrissa Maxwell is the first doll to have companions.
- Gwen Thompson and Sonali Matthews were released as companions to Chrissa Maxwell in 2009.
