Kaya is a member of the Nez Perce tribe in 1764Representing all girls in American history
When Pleasant Rowland introduced The American Girls Collection in 1986, there were only dolls of one race. After a few years, American Girl introduced some dolls of different races for girls to connect with.
Addy Walker escaped to freedom in 1864 and went to school in Philadelphia.For example, Addy Walker who was released in 1993 was the first African American Girl Doll to be released. Josefina Montoya was released after Addy in 1997 and is Latino. American Girl then created Kaya’aton’my who was released in 2002 and was the first Native American Girl doll.
As the Company Grew…
Rebecca Rubin’s family came from Russia to New York. Rebecca is 9 years old in 1914.They started adding more dolls like Cecile Rey who was the second African American Girl Doll to be released in 2011 but was retired soon after with her white friend Marie Grace Gardner. American Girl then released Ivy Ling in 2014. She was the first Asian American Girl doll to be released. Melody Ellison is another African American Girl doll and was released in 2016. Nanea Mitchell came out in 2017 and was the second Native Hawaiian American Girl doll. Out of all the dolls I listed these are only some of the dolls of different races and religions available from American Girl, just showing you how diverse this company is!
Rebecca and me
Rebecca was released in 2009 and was the first Jewish historical American Girl doll. (The first Jewish doll was Lindsey Bergman, 2001 Girl of the Year.)
When I started working at Girl AGain, I soon learned about all the dolls. The one that got my attention was Rebecca. I was informed that Rebecca was raised in a Jewish family, just like me! It meant something to me because, in movies, songs, or books, there is hardly any talk about Jewish holidays.
Although Rebecca never talks about this holiday, one Jewish holiday I like was celebrated on February 25. The holiday is called Purim. Purim is a story about a Persian queen named Esther and a king named Achashverosh who stopped an evil man named Haman who wanted to get rid of all the Jews in Persia. On Purim, we celebrate the saving of the Jews by dressing up in costumes because Esther, who was Jewish, had to pretend she was someone else in order to keep herself safe.
It is nice to have an American Girl doll and story that connects with the same religion as me and other Jewish girls.
American Girl has been able to create all these amazing dolls that show and celebrate diversity and our differences.
Girl AGain has many of these dolls that you can purchase. We also have books that tell the stories of these American girls. Come visit us.
By Sarah Feingold, Yes She Can trainee
Girl AGain opened in February 2014 to rave reviews from American Girl doll fans, their moms and especially their grandmas. You’ll find authentic gently used AG dolls, clothing, furniture, accessories and books that have been cleaned and prepared for sale at good prices in an easy-access store.
Lesli Cattan says
Sarah- I love your blog post. It helps others to learn about the diversity amongst the American Girl doll characters. Nice job. Lesli
Wendy says
Yes She Can!!!! Bravo American Girl Dolls. Thanks to Pleasant Rowland for introducing these dolls originally. Sarah Feingold, you teach us something every day!!
Nancy Miller-Glener says
Thanks Sarah for this very informative and interesting blog!
Maribeth Arena says
Sarah, thank you for sharing the back story on how diversity evolved with The American Girl dolls, a history I did not know of before. I especially appreciated your sharing your personal connection with “Rebecca” – it made the blog even more engaging for me!
Steve Feingold says
Sarah
Wonderful post! Happy Purim!
Leslie says
Hi Sarah, I enjoyed reading your blog. It was so informative and inspiring. I loved reading your personal story.