The American Girl Dolls and Books
A Fun Way for Girls to Learn About History
The American Girl historical characters are a line of dolls and books set in different times in American history. As girls play with the dolls and read the books, they can learn about history while having fun.
Pleasant Company
Pleasant T. Rowland developed the American Girl line of dolls because she wanted girls to be able to play with dolls that were of girls their own age, rather than just baby dolls. She was inspired by some antique dolls to have her own doll characters be from different times in American history, and proceeded to develop a line of dolls, accessories, and accompanying books. In 1986 she launched Pleasant Company with a catalogue and books, and the products kept expanding.
The American Girl Dolls and Accessories
There were originally three characters around whom the books and accessories were developed: Kirsten Larsen, the Swedish immigrant from 1854; Samantha Parkington, the Edwardian orphan from 1904; and Molly McIntire, who was living life on the homefront during World War II in 1944.
The dolls looked different from each other (Kirsten was blonde, Samantha raven-haired, and Molly reddish-brunette), so even girls who didn’t read the books and weren’t interested in history would at least be tempted to buy the doll that most looked like them. Since the launch of the original three, seven more girls have been added, making it easier for girls to choose their favorite character.
Originally, each doll had clothes and accessories that corresponded to each book in that girl’s series. The doll itself is still sold with an outfit from the first book, and girls can also buy a bed and trunk/wardrobe for the doll. The accessories and clothes used to be quite elaborate, with an entire set based on things the characters used in each book, but many of these have been discontinued.
In addition to new main characters, there are now also dolls in the Best Friends series based on good friends that the main girls have in the books. These new girls also have their own clothes, accessories, and books.
The American Girl Books
The American Girl books are enjoyed by fans of the dolls, but they also can be enjoyed by themselves as good works of historical fiction for girls. Each book is well-researched and teaches the reader about history by showing what everyday life was like for young girls in American history. The characters not only lived during important time periods, but also lived all around the country, showing what life was like in America in a variety of times and places.
The structure of each girl’s series is fairly formulaic, showing how all girls experience the same basic challenges and have the same basic desires while growing up. Each girl has a six-book series that takes place over about a year and a half, beginning in the fourth year of the decade when the girl is nine years old. The books are four or five chapters long, with beautiful full-color illustrations. Each book begins with pictures identifying the main characters in the book, and ends with a Peak Into the Past/Looking Back section that gives historic information about what life was like for girls back then.
In addition to the main six-book series, each girl also has short stories, mysteries, and plays written about her and her friends. New books and characters continue to be developed, ensuring that the American Girl books will keep being enjoyed by young girls today.
The American Girl Books Encourage Girls to Read
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