List of American Girl characters facts for kids

American Girl is a popular line of 18-inch dolls that first came out in 1986. These dolls were created by Pleasant Company, which is now owned by Mattel. Each doll represents a girl between eight and thirteen years old from different backgrounds and times in American history. They come with books that tell their stories from the doll's point of view.

Originally, the stories focused on different periods of American history. But in 1995, American Girl started including dolls and stories about modern-day characters. From 2014 to 2019, the historical dolls were called "BeForever."

Meet the Historical Characters: Girls from the Past

The Historical Characters line was the first main focus of American Girl. These dolls and their stories teach about American history through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl living in that time. The books cover important topics like child labor, poverty, racism, and war in a way that is easy for kids to understand.

The first American Girl dolls, Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly, all had the same face but different hair and eye colors. Over time, new face molds were created for other dolls. Today, there are many historical characters, covering different periods from 1764 to 1999.

In 2004, American Girl introduced "Best Friends" dolls. These were friends of the main historical characters, like Nellie for Samantha. They had their own books and products. However, in 2014, American Girl decided to stop making these "Best Friends" dolls.

In 2014, the Historical Characters line was updated and called BeForever. The dolls got new outfits, and their books were put into two-volume sets. They also added "Journey Books" where readers could imagine traveling back in time to meet the historical girls. This update also brought back Samantha Parkington, whose collection had been stopped earlier. By 2019, the BeForever name was removed, and some books were shortened. In 2021, American Girl released special Anniversary Dolls of the first six historical dolls for their 35th birthday, but these were only available for a short time.

Kaya: A Nez Perce Girl from 1764

Quick facts for kids Kaya'aton'my
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Janet Shaw
Full name	Kaya'aton'my (She Who Arranges Rocks)
Information
Family	Toe-Ta (father) Eetsa (mother) Brown Deer (older sister) Speaking Rain (adopted sister) Wing Feather (younger brother) Sparrow (younger brother) Kalutsa (paternal grandfather) Aalah (maternal grandmother) Pi-lah-ka (maternal grandfather) Kautsa (maternal grandmother) Tall Branch (maternal aunt) Cut Cheek (brother-in-law)
Home	Pacific Northwest

Kaya, whose full name is Kaya'aton'my, was released in 2002. Her story takes place in 1764. She is a nine-year-old girl from the Nez Perce tribe in the Northwest. Her stories teach about leadership, kindness, and courage. Kaya's adventures are the earliest in time among all the historical characters.

Kaya is brave and outgoing, but sometimes a bit careless. She wants to be a leader for her people, inspired by a female warrior named Swan Circling. American Girl worked with the Nez Perce tribe to create Kaya and her stories.

Kaya is the only Native American doll made by American Girl so far. She is also the only doll in the series whose mouth does not show teeth, which follows tribal customs.

Felicity Merriman: A Girl from the American Revolution (1774)

Felicity Merriman
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Shailene Woodley
Information
Family	Edward Merriman (father) Martha Merriman (mother) Nan Merriman (younger sister) William Merriman (younger brother) Polly Merriman (younger sister) Unnamed Maternal Grandfather †
Home	Williamsburg, Virginia

Felicity Merriman was the fourth historical character, released in 1991. She has auburn hair and loves horses. Her story is set in the 1770s in Williamsburg, Virginia, during the start of the American Revolution. Her books explore themes of loyalty and staying true to yourself.

Felicity is spirited, brave, and loves her freedom. She often gets frustrated with the rules for young women at the time. She can be a bit impulsive but always stands up to bullies. Felicity was retired in 2011 but came back for a short time in 2017 before being retired again in 2019.

Elizabeth Cole: Felicity's Best Friend (1774)

Elizabeth Cole
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Katie Henney
Information
Family	Mr. Cole (father) Mrs. Cole (mother) Annabelle Cole (older sister)
Religion	Christian
Origin	Williamsburg, Virginia (currently) Lancashire, England (birthplace)

Elizabeth Cole is Felicity's best friend. Her family supported the British during the American Revolution. She is usually quiet and shy. Elizabeth was introduced in 2005 as a "Best Friend" doll. She was also featured in the movie Felicity: An American Girl Adventure. Elizabeth was retired in 2011 along with Felicity.

Caroline Abbott: Brave Girl of 1812

Caroline Abbott
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Kathleen Ernst
Information
Family	John Abbott (father) Mama Abbott (mother) Aaron Livingston (maternal uncle) Martha Livingston (maternal aunt) Grandmother Livingston (maternal grandmother) Lydia Livingston (maternal cousin) Oliver Livingston (maternal cousin)
Home	Sackets Harbor, New York

Caroline Abbott was born in 1802 and lives in 1812 Sackets Harbor, New York. Her father is a shipbuilder. Caroline loves outdoor activities like sailing and dreams of being a ship captain. When the War of 1812 begins, her father is captured. Caroline promises to be brave and help her family.

She helps her father escape from prison and nurses him back to health. She also helps her mother defend their town from British troops. Caroline's stories teach about bravery, family, and making smart choices. Caroline was released in 2012, during the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. She was retired in 2015.

Josefina Montoya: A Girl from New Mexico (1824)

Josefina Montoya
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Information
Family	Andres Montoya (father) Maria Montoya (mother) † Dolores Romero (maternal aunt/step-mother) Ana Montoya (older sister) Francisca Montoya (older sister) Clara Montoya (older sister) Magdalena Montoya (paternal aunt, godmother) Felipe Romero (maternal grandfather) Maria Herrera (maternal grandmother) Antonio Montoya (nephew) Juan Montoya (nephew)
Religion	Christian, Catholic
Home	Santa Fe, New Mexico

Josefina Montoya is a young Mexican girl living on a ranch in 1824 Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her family learns to adapt after her mother passes away. Josefina dreams of becoming a healer, like her grandmother. She has a pet goat named Sombrita.

Her stories explore how people adjust to loss and the daily life of Mexican people during a time of cultural change. Josefina's family speaks Spanish, and her books include Spanish words and phrases. Josefina was released in 1997 and was American Girl's first Latina doll. In 2024, it was announced that Josefina would be re-released with her original outfits.

Marie-Grace Gardner: A Girl from New Orleans (1853)

Marie-Grace Gardner
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Sarah Masters Buckey
Information
Family	Thaddeus Gardner (father) Mama Gardner (mother) † Daniel Gardner (younger brother) † Luc Rousseau (maternal uncle) Océane Rousseau (maternal aunt)
Home	New Orleans, Louisiana

Marie-Grace Gardner lives in 1850s New Orleans. Her mother died before her stories begin. She becomes friends with Cécile Rey. When yellow fever strikes her singing teacher, Marie-Grace's father, a doctor, helps many sick people. Marie-Grace also helps rescue a baby. Her stories teach about dealing with loss and caring for others. Both Marie-Grace and Cécile were released in 2011 and retired in 2014.

Cécile Rey: A Girl from New Orleans (1853)

Cécile Rey
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Denise Lewis Patrick
Information
Family	Jean-Claude Rey (father) Aurélia Rey (mother) Armand Rey (older brother) Henry Tay (maternal uncle) † Octavia Tay (maternal aunt) Simon Rey (paternal grandfather) René Tay (maternal cousin)
Home	New Orleans, Louisiana

Cécile Rey comes from a wealthy African American family in 1850s New Orleans. She loves hearing her grandfather's sea stories. She meets Marie-Grace during singing lessons and they become best friends. When yellow fever affects her brother, Cécile uses her talents to help him and others. Her stories teach about helping those in need and volunteering. Cécile speaks French, and her books explain French words. Cécile was released in 2011 and retired in 2014.

Kirsten Larson: A Swedish Immigrant (1854)

Kirsten Larson
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Janet Beeler Shaw
Information
Family	Anders Larson (father) Greta Larson (mother) Lars Larson (older brother) Peter Larson (younger brother) Britta Larson (younger sister) Olav Larson (paternal uncle) Inger Larson (paternal aunt) Lisbeth Larson (paternal cousin) Anna Larson (paternal cousin)
Nationality	Swedish
Home	Minnesota (currently) Ryd, Sweden (birthplace)

Kirsten Larson was born in 1845. She is a Swedish immigrant who moves to the Minnesota Territory with her family in 1854. She faces challenges like learning English and adjusting to life in America. Kirsten and her family try to keep their Swedish traditions while also adapting to American life.

Kirsten was one of the first three dolls released by American Girl in 1986. She was retired in 2010 but was brought back for a short time in 2021 for the 35th anniversary. In 2024, it was announced she would be available again with her original outfits.

Addy Walker: Escaping Slavery (1864)

Addy Walker
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Connie Porter
Information
Family	Ben Walker (father) Ruth Walker (mother) Sam Walker (older brother) Esther Walker (younger sister) Lula Morgan (aunt, fictive kin) Solomon Morgan (uncle, fictive kin)
Religion	Christian
Home	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Addy Walker was the fifth historical character, released in 1993. She is a fugitive slave who escapes with her mother from a plantation in North Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1864, during the American Civil War. Addy's stories explore themes of freedom, family love, and overcoming prejudice and racism. Addy was the first African American historical character from American Girl. In 2024, it was announced that Addy would be re-released with her original outfits.

Samantha Parkington: A Girl from the Edwardian Era (1904)

Samantha Parkington
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Susan S. Adler, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	AnnaSophia Robb
Information
Nickname(s)	Sam
Family	Mr. Parkington † (father) Lydia Parkington † (mother) Cornelia Edwards (paternal aunt/adoptive mother) Gardner Edwards (paternal uncle/adoptive father) Nellie O'Malley (adoptive younger sister) Bridget O'Malley (adoptive younger sister) Jenny O'Malley (adoptive younger sister) William Samuel Edwards (adoptive younger brother) Agatha Pitt (adoptive aunt) Agnes Pitt (adoptive aunt) William Edwards † (maternal grandfather) Mary Edwards (maternal grandmother) Archibald Beemis (maternal step-grandfather)
Religion	Christian
Home	New York City, New York (currently) Mount Bedford, New York (formerly)

Samantha Parkington was one of the first three dolls released in 1986. She is an only child growing up in 1904 during the Edwardian era. Samantha's parents died when she was five, and she was raised by her wealthy grandmother, Grandmary. Samantha becomes friends with Nellie O'Malley, a poor servant girl.

Eventually, Samantha, Nellie, and Nellie's sisters are adopted by Samantha's aunt and uncle. Samantha's books discuss topics like women's suffrage (the right to vote), child labor, and classism. A movie, Samantha: An American Girl Holiday, was made based on her story. Samantha was retired in 2009 but was brought back in 2014 as part of the BeForever line.

Nellie O'Malley: Samantha's Best Friend (1904)

Nellie O'Malley
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Susan S. Adler, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Kelsey Lewis
Information
Family	Mr. O'Malley † (father) Mrs. O'Malley † (mother) Cornelia Edwards (adoptive mother) Gardner Edwards (adoptive father) Samantha Parkington (adoptive sister) Bridget O'Malley (younger sister) Jenny O'Malley (younger sister) William Samuel Edwards (adoptive younger brother) Agatha Pitt (adoptive aunt) Agnes Pitt (adoptive aunt) Mike O'Malley (uncle) Mary Edwards (adoptive maternal grandmother) Archibald Beemis (adoptive maternal step-grandfather)
Religion	Christian, likely Catholic
Home	New York City, New York (currently) Mount Bedford, New York (formerly)

Nellie O'Malley is Samantha's best friend. She is an Irish immigrant who works for Samantha's neighbors. Nellie's story shows the experiences of working-class immigrant children at that time. Nellie and her sisters become orphans and are later adopted by Samantha's relatives. Nellie was released in 2004 and retired at the same time as Samantha in 2009.

Rebecca Rubin: A Jewish Girl from New York (1914)

Rebecca Rubin
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Information
Nickname(s)	Beckie
Family	Louis Rubin (father) Vera Rubin (mother) Sadie Rubin (older sister) Sophie Rubin (older sister) Victor Rubin (older brother) Benny Rubin (younger brother) Jacob Rubin (paternal uncle) Fannie Rubin (paternal aunt) Bubbie Shereshevsky (maternal grandmother) Grandpa Shereshevsky (maternal grandfather) Josef Rubin (paternal cousin) Michael Rubin (paternal cousin) Ana Rubin (paternal cousin) Max Shepard (maternal cousin)
Religion	Jewish
Home	New York City, New York

Rebecca Rubin was the tenth historical character, released in 2009. She is a nine-year-old Russian Jewish girl living in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1914. Her family immigrated to America. Rebecca loves new American customs and the growing film industry, dreaming of becoming an actress.

Her books focus on how immigrants adapt to a new country while keeping their family, religious, and cultural traditions. Rebecca is the first Jewish Historical Character.

Claudie Wells: A Girl from the Harlem Renaissance (1922)

Claudie Wells
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Brit Bennett
Information
Family	Ellis Wells (father) Gloria Wells (mother) Jody Wells (younger brother) Grandma (maternal grandmother) Cousin Sidney (cousin) Ross (cousin) Mavis (cousin)
Home	Harlem, New York

Claudie Wells is the eighteenth historical character and the fourth Black doll. She is a nine-year-old Black girl growing up in 1922 in Harlem, New York, during the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time when many talented Black musicians, painters, and performers lived in Harlem.

Claudie was created in 2022 by author Brit Bennett and American Girl. Bennett, a fan of American Girl dolls as a child, worked with historians to create Claudie's character and stories.

Kit Kittredge: A Girl During the Great Depression (1934)

Kit Kittredge
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Abigail Breslin
Information
Nickname(s)	Kit
Family	Jack Kittredge (father) Margaret Kittredge (mother) Charles Kittredge (older brother) Hendrick Frosbythe (maternal great-uncle) Millie Morrison (paternal great-aunt, fictive kin)
Home	Cincinnati, Ohio

Kit Kittredge, born in 1923, is the seventh historical character. She is a nine-year-old girl who experiences the difficult times of the Great Depression in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1934. Her family struggles after her father loses his job.

Kit is a tomboy who loves baseball and the outdoors. She dreams of becoming a reporter. Her stories show her learning to be more helpful and supportive as her family faces challenges. Kit was released in 2000. A movie, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, was made about her story, starring Abigail Breslin. In 2023, American Girl re-released Kit for her 100th birthday.

Ruthie Smithens: Kit's Best Friend (1934)

Ruthie Smithens
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Madison Davenport
Information
Nickname(s)	Ruthie, Goofy Ruthie
Family	Stan Smithens (father) Lily Smithens (mother) Nancy Smithens (maternal aunt)
Home	Cincinnati, Ohio

Ruthie Smithens, born in 1923, is Kit Kittredge's best friend. Her family is not affected by the Depression. Ruthie loves princesses and fairy tales, which is different from Kit's tomboy personality. Despite their differences, Ruthie is a loyal and brave friend who helps Kit. Ruthie was retired in 2014 when American Girl stopped the "Best Friends" line.

Nanea Mitchell: A Girl from Pearl Harbor (1941)

Nanea Mitchell
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Kirby Larson
Information
Nickname(s)	Beckie
Family	Richard Mitchell (father) May Mitchell (mother) David Mitchell (older brother) Mary Lou Mitchell (older sister) Tutu (maternal grandmother) Tutu Kane (maternal grandfather)
Home	Honolulu, Hawaii

Nanea Mitchell, born in 1932, is the sixteenth historical character. She is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and her story is set in the early 1940s, around the time of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Nanea wants to be helpful to her family. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, where her father works, she proves her readiness for responsibility. Nanea was released in 2017. Her story was inspired by Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson, who was six years old during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Molly McIntire: A Girl During World War II (1944)

Molly McIntire
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Maya Ritter
Information
Family	James McIntire (father) Helen McIntire (mother) Jill McIntire (older sister) Ricky McIntire (older brother) Brad McIntire (younger brother) Frank Culver (maternal grandfather) Grammy Culver (maternal grandmother) Eleanor Culver (maternal aunt)
Religion	Christian
Home	Jefferson, Illinois

Molly McIntire, born in 1934, lives in a fictional town in Illinois during the later years of World War II. Her father is a doctor helping soldiers in England, and her mother works for the Red Cross. Molly and her siblings are cared for by their housekeeper. Molly learns how to help soldiers too.

Molly was one of the original three dolls released in 1986. She is the only historical character sold with eyeglasses. Molly was retired in 2013 but her mini doll and books were re-released in 2018. She was temporarily re-released for American Girl’s 35th Anniversary and officially re-released in 2022.

Emily Bennett: Molly's English Friend (1944)

Emily Bennett
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Tory Green
Information
Family	Dad (father) Mum (mother) Aunt Primrose (aunt) Grandy (maternal grandfather) Grandmum (maternal grandmother)
Home	Jefferson, Illinois England (homeland)

Emily Bennett, born in 1933, is a British girl sent to America by her family to keep her safe from World War II. She temporarily lives with Molly McIntire's family. Emily was introduced as a doll in 2006. A movie, Molly made-for-TV movie, featured Emily. She was retired along with Molly in 2013.

Maryellen Larkin: A Girl from the 1950s (1954)

Maryellen Larkin
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Valerie Tripp
Portrayed by	Harlie Galloway Alyvia Alyn Lind
Information
Nickname(s)	Ellie, Sport
Family	Stan Larkin (father) Kay Larkin (mother) Joan Larkin Ross (older sister) Carolyn Larkin (older sister) Beverly Larkin (younger sister) Tom Larkin (younger brother) Mikey Larkin (younger brother) Grandpop (maternal grandfather) Grandmom (maternal grandmother) Jerry Ross (brother-in-law)
Home	Daytona Beach, Florida

Maryellen Larkin, born in 1945, is the fourteenth Historical Character, representing the 1950s. She was released in 2015. Maryellen is an imaginative girl from Daytona Beach, Florida, who wants to stand out in her big family. She loves TV shows like Davy Crockett and dreams of being a hero.

A short film and a TV special, An American Girl Story - Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas, were made about her stories.

Melody Ellison: A Girl from the Civil Rights Movement (1964)

Melody Ellison
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Denise Lewis Patrick
Portrayed by	Marsai Martin
Information
Nickname(s)	Dee-Dee, Baby Chick
Family	Will Ellison (father) Frances Ellison (mother) Yvonne Ellison (older sister) Dwayne Ellison (older brother) Lila Ellison (older sister) Frank Porter (maternal grandfather) Geneva Porter (maternal grandmother) Tish Porter (cousin) Charles Porter (cousin) Valerie Porter (cousin)
Home	Detroit, Michigan

Melody Ellison, born in 1954, is the fifteenth historical character, released in 2016. She is a nine-year-old girl living with her family in Detroit, Michigan, during the civil rights movement in the early 1960s. Melody learns about racial prejudice when her cousins move to Detroit.

After the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, Melody becomes afraid to go to church. But she eventually overcomes her fear. An advisory board, including civil rights leaders, helped create Melody's story. A web special, Melody, 1963: Love Has to Win, an American Girl Story, was made about her. Melody is the third African American character from American Girl.

Julie Albright: A Girl from the 1970s (1974)

Julie Albright
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Megan McDonald, Susan McAliley
Portrayed by	Jolie Ledford, Hannah Nordberg
Information
Nickname(s)	Alley Oop, Jules, Cool Hands Albright, Sport
Family	Daniel Albright (father) Joyce Albright (mother) Tracy Albright (older sister) Uncle Buddy (paternal uncle) Aunt Catherine (paternal aunt) Jimmy (paternal cousin) April (paternal cousin) Raymond Stratton (cousin) Grandpa (maternal grandfather) Grandma (maternal grandmother) Maia Albright (paternal aunt) Nadine Stratton (maternal aunt) David Stratton (maternal uncle)
Home	San Francisco, California

Julie Albright, born in 1966, is the ninth historical character. She is a nine-year-old girl growing up in San Francisco, California, in 1974–75. Her books focus on changes in American society at that time, like divorce, feminism, equal sports for girls, environmentalism, and the disability rights movement.

Julie was released in 2007 and is the first American Girl character from a divorced family. A short film about Julie's story was uploaded to American Girl's YouTube account.

Ivy Ling: Julie's Best Friend (1974)

Ivy Ling
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Megan McDonald, Susan McAliley
Portrayed by	Grace Liu, Nina Lu
Information
Nickname(s)	Poison Ivy
Family	Mr. Ling (father) Marilyn Ling (mother) Andrew Ling (older brother) Missy Ling (younger sister) Gung Gung (maternal grandfather) Po Po (maternal grandmother) Uncle Lee (paternal uncle) Henry Fong (great-uncle) Hannah Fong (great-aunt)
Home	San Francisco, California

Ivy Ling, born in 1966, is Julie's best friend. She is a Chinese American girl living in San Francisco. Her story, Good Luck, Ivy, focuses on her love of gymnastics and her family's traditions. Ivy was the first Asian American Historical character. She was retired in 2014 when the "Best Friends" line was discontinued.

Courtney Moore: A Girl from the 1980s (1986)

Courtney Moore
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Kellen Hertz
Information
Nickname(s)	Court
Family	Bruce Moore (father) Maureen D'Amico (mother) Mike D'Amico (step-father) Tina D'Amico (older step-sister) Rafi D'Amico (younger half-brother)
Home	Orange Valley, California

Courtney Moore, born in 1976, is the seventeenth historical character. She is a nine-year-old girl living in Orange Valley, California, in 1986, the year American Girl was founded. Courtney loves hanging out at the mall and playing Pac Man at the arcade.

The Courtney doll wears an '80s outfit and comes with '80s items like Care Bears pajamas, a Walkman, and a mini Pac Man arcade game.

Isabel Hoffman: A Girl from the Turn of the Millennium (1999)

Isabel Hoffman
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Julia DeVillers, Jennifer Roy
Information
Family	Dave Hoffman (father) Robin Hoffman (mother) Nicki Hoffman (fraternal twin sister)
Religion	Interfaith (Christian and Jewish)
Home	Seattle, Washington

Isabel Hoffman, born in 1990, is the twentieth historical character. She represents the turn of the millennium to the early 2000s. She is a nine-year-old girl living in Seattle, Washington, with her twin sister Nicki Hoffman. Isabel was released in 2023.

Nicki Hoffman: Isabel's Twin Sister (1999)

Nicki Hoffman
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jennifer Roy, Julia DeVillers
Information
Nickname(s)	Tricky Nicki
Family	Dave Hoffman (father) Robin Hoffman (mother) Isabel Hoffman (fraternal twin sister)
Religion	Interfaith (Christian and Jewish)
Home	Seattle, Washington

Nicki Hoffman, born in 1990, is the nineteenth historical character, also representing the turn of the millennium. She is Isabel Hoffman's twin sister and lives in Seattle, Washington. Nicki was released in 2023 along with Isabel.

Contemporary Characters: Girls from Today

The Contemporary Characters line started in 2017. These dolls and their stories are set in the present day. Unlike the "Girl of the Year" dolls, these characters are available for several years. This line also introduced the first 18-inch boy doll in the American Girl series.

Tenney Grant: An Aspiring Songwriter

Tenney Grant
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Kellen Hertz
Information
Nickname(s)	Tenney
Family	Ray Grant (father) Georgia Grant (mother) Mason Grant (older brother) Aubrey Grant (younger sister)
Home	Nashville, Tennessee

Tenney Grant is from Nashville, Tennessee. She is a young songwriter who wants to express herself through music. Her first book focuses on her songwriting and her chance to perform at the famous Bluebird Cafe. Tenney and her bandmate Logan Everett were sold as regular characters, not limited editions. They were both discontinued at the end of 2018.

Logan Everett: Tenney's Bandmate

Logan Everett
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Kellen Hertz
Information
Family	Phil Everett (father) Marlene Everett (mother) Jude Everett (brother)
Home	Nashville, Tennessee

Logan Everett is Tenney's bandmate and the first 18-inch boy doll from American Girl. Released in 2017, he is the drummer for Tenney's band. The Logan doll has a special hand to hold musical instruments.

Z Yang: A Young Filmmaker

Z Yang
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jen Calonita, J.J. Howard
Information
Nickname(s)	Z, Suzie, Pumpkin
Family	Mr. Yang (father) Michelle Yang (mother)
Home	Seattle, Washington

Z Yang is an aspiring filmmaker and photographer who loves making stop-motion videos. Z is the first Korean American character from American Girl, released in 2017. She lives in Seattle, Washington. Z was discontinued at the end of 2018.

Girl of the Year Dolls: Limited Edition Characters

Starting in 2001, American Girl began releasing a "Girl of the Year" doll. These dolls are usually available for only one year, or until they sell out. From 2009 to 2016, many Girl of the Year dolls also had movies made about their stories.

Lindsey Bergman: The First Girl of the Year (2001)

Lindsey Bergman
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Chryssa Atkinson
Information
Family	Gordon Bergman (father) Mrs. Bergman (mother) Ethan Bergman (brother) Bernie Bergman (uncle) Rhonda Bergman (aunt) Sophie Bergman (cousin)
Religion	Jewish
Home	Chicago, Illinois

Lindsey Bergman was the first Girl of the Year, released in 2001. She is described as a girl who loves to help, but her impulsive attempts sometimes cause problems. Lindsey is Jewish, and her book mentions her brother's Bar Mitzvah. She was retired in 2002.

Kailey Hopkins: A Surfer Girl (2003)

Kailey Hopkins
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Amy Goldman Koss
Information
Family	Pete Hopkins (father) Mrs. Hopkins (mother)
Home	California

Kailey Hopkins lives near tide pools in California and loves swimming and surfing. When development threatens to destroy her beloved tide pools, she and her best friend organize a protest to protect them. Kailey was the second Girl of the Year, released in 2003 and retired in 2004.

Marisol Luna: A Dancer from Chicago (2005)

Marisol Luna
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Gary Soto
Information
Family	Hector Luna (father) Elise Luna (mother)
Home	Chicago, Illinois

Marisol Luna is a nine-year-old girl who dreams of being a dancer. She moves from Chicago to a suburb without a dance studio where she can practice her favorite ballet folklórico dances. Marisol was released in 2005. She is the first Latina Girl of the Year.

Jess McConnell: An Adventurous Girl (2006)

Jess McConnell
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Mary Casanova
Information
Family	Mr. McConnell (father) Mrs. McConnell (mother) Heather McConnell (older sister) Jason McConnell (older brother) Grandma Emi (maternal grandmother)
Home	Houghton, Michigan, Belize

Jess McConnell joins her archaeologist parents on an expedition to Belize. There, she learns about responsibility and preserving history, and discovers new things about herself. Jess is the first Girl of the Year to be explicitly biracial, with Japanese-American and Irish-Scottish heritage.

Nicki Fleming: An Animal Lover (2007)

Nicki Fleming
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Ann Howard Creel
Information
Nickname(s)	Snicker
Family	Mr. Fleming (father) Joan Fleming (mother) Adam Fleming (younger brother) Rebecca Fleming (younger sister) Kristine Fleming (younger sister)
Home	Denver, Colorado

Nicki Fleming is an animal lover who enjoys skiing and lives on her family's Colorado ranch. Nicki volunteers to train a service dog named Sprocket. She also faces challenges with her friendships. Nicki was the Girl of the Year in 2007.

Mia St. Clair: A Figure Skater (2008)

Mia St. Clair
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Laurence Yep

Mia St. Clair was released in 2008. Her stories are about her passion for competitive figure skating, even though her family plays hockey. Mia works hard to pursue figure skating, choosing it over hockey so she doesn't live in the shadow of her brothers.

Chrissa Maxwell: Standing Up to Bullies (2009)

Chrissa Maxwell
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Mary Casanova
Portrayed by	Sammi Hanratty

Chrissa Marie Maxwell was released in 2009. A movie, Chrissa Stands Strong, was made based on her story. Chrissa's books and movie focus on dealing with bullying.

Gwen Thompson & Sonali Matthews: Chrissa's Friends

Gwen Thompson Sonali Matthews
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Mary Casanova
Portrayed by	Kaitlyn Dever (Gwen), Ariela Barer (Sonali)

Chrissa's collection included two "best friend" dolls: Gwen Thompson and Sonali Matthews. In the books, Gwen is upset with Chrissa when she thinks Chrissa told her secrets to bullies. Sonali starts as a bully but learns to stand up for others. Sonali was the first doll to use the "Sonali mold" to show her Indian heritage.

Lanie Holland: A Young Scientist (2010)

Lanie Holland
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jane Kurtz

Lanie was released in 2010. She is a ten-year-old girl living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lanie loves science and biology and sees herself as a scientist.

Kanani Akina: Protecting Hawaiian Wildlife (2011)

Kanani Akina
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Lisa Yee

Kanani was released in 2011. She is the second multiracial character, with Japanese, Hawaiian, French, and German heritage. From Kaua'i, she helps her family run a shave ice shop. She is passionate about helping people and protecting Hawaiian wildlife. In her book, Kanani rescues a monk seal. American Girl donated money to the National Wildlife Foundation for every monk seal plush toy sold.

McKenna Brooks: A Gymnast (2012)

McKenna Brooks
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Mary Casanova
Portrayed by	Jade Pettyjohn

McKenna was released in 2012, with a gymnastics theme. She is a ten-year-old girl from Seattle, Washington, who is a gymnast but struggles with schoolwork. McKenna is determined to be an Olympic gold medalist. A movie, An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, was released in 2012, starring Jade Pettyjohn.

Saige Copeland: An Artist and Horse Rider (2013)

Saige Copeland
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jessie Haas
Portrayed by	Sidney Fullmer

Saige Copeland was released in 2013. She is in fourth grade and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Saige loves visual arts (especially painting) and is skilled in horseback riding. When her school cancels art class, Saige works to bring it back. A movie, Saige Paints the Sky, was made about her story.

Isabelle Palmer: A Dancer and Fashion Designer (2014)

Isabelle Palmer
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Laurence Yep
Portrayed by	Erin Pitt

Isabelle Palmer was released in 2014. She is an inspired dancer living in Washington, D.C.. She loves dancing and fashion design, creating leotards and other clothes. Isabelle was the fourth Girl of the Year to have a movie, Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight, starring Erin Pitt.

Grace Thomas: A Young Baker (2015)

Grace Thomas
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Mary Casanova
Portrayed by	Olivia Rodrigo

Grace Thomas was released in 2015. She is a baker from Massachusetts who dreams of being an entrepreneur. Her story includes a trip to Paris. A movie, Grace Stirs Up Success, was made about her, starring Olivia Rodrigo.

Lea Clark: A Photographer in Brazil (2016)

Lea Clark
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Lisa Yee
Portrayed by	Maggie Elizabeth Jones

Lea Clark was released in 2016. She is part Latina, with Brazilian heritage. Lea is a photographer from St. Louis, Missouri, and an animal lover. She discovers new possibilities when she visits Brazil and her brother in the Amazon rainforest. A film, Lea to the Rescue, was released with her.

Gabriela McBride: A Poet and Dancer (2017)

Gabriela McBride
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Teresa E. Harris

Gabriela McBride was released in 2017. She is an aspiring poet from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who uses poetry to help her overcome stuttering. Gabriela also loves to dance. She is the first African American Girl of the Year.

Luciana Vega: An Aspiring Astronaut (2018)

Luciana Vega
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Erin Teagan

Luciana Vega was released in 2018. She is a space-loving eleven-year-old Chilean girl from Virginia who wants to be the first person to walk on Mars. Luciana is the second Latina American Girl of the Year.

Blaire Wilson: A Farm Girl (2019)

Blaire Wilson
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Jennifer Castle

Blaire Wilson was released in 2019. She lives on her family's sustainable farm in New York, which has a restaurant and a bed and breakfast. She loves to cook and craft but struggles with being lactose intolerant and spending too much time on her smart device.

Joss Kendrick: A Surfer and Cheerleader (2020)

Joss Kendrick
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Erin Falligant

Joss Kendrick was released in 2020. She is from Huntington Beach, California, and loves surfing and cheerleading. She is the first American Girl doll to have hearing loss. She wears a removable hearing aid in her right ear.

Kira Bailey: Helping Animals in Australia (2021)

Kira Bailey
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Erin Teagan

Kira Bailey was released in 2021. She loves animals and helps her aunts at their wildlife sanctuary in Australia after wildfires. Kira is the first American Girl doll to include LGBTQ characters in her story.

Corinne Tan: A Skier from Aspen (2022)

Corinne Tan
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Portrayed by	Miya Cech

Corinne Tan was released in 2022. She is the fourth Asian doll and the first who is not white-biracial. She deals with her parents' divorce and faces challenges because of her heritage. She loves skiing and lives in Aspen, Colorado.

Gwynn Tan: Corinne's Little Sister (2022)

Gwynn Tan
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Portrayed by	Kai Cech

Corinne comes with a companion doll of her little sister, Gwynn Tan, and a stuffed version of her dog, Flurry.

Kavi Sharma: A Performer from New Jersey (2023)

Kavi Sharma is a South Asian American Hindu girl who lives in Metuchen, New Jersey. She is the first South Asian American Girl doll. Kavi's character was created with the help of an eighth-grade student and a team of advisors.

Lila Monetti: A Competitive Gymnast (2024)

Lila Monetti
Girl of the Year character
Created by	American Girl, Erin Falligant

Lila Monetti is a 10-year-old girl from St. Paul, Minnesota who is a competitive gymnast. She also takes care of her horse friend, Hollyhock. Her story is told in the novel Lila Goes for Gold, released in 2024.

WellieWishers: Young Girls in a Garden

The WellieWishers are a group of young elementary-aged girls who play together in Aunt Miranda's backyard garden. These dolls wear Wellington boots and have a different body design from the classic American Girl dolls. This line was released in 2016. An animated web series was also released about their adventures.

Ashlyn: The Party Planner

Ashlyn is the group's party planner and loves to make her friends happy. She has a "princess" style, wearing a pink outfit with a tiara and pink boots.

Bryant: The First Boy WellieWisher

Bryant is the first boy doll added to the WellieWishers line. He is a team player, enjoying gymnastics and kickball. He also loves dragons, and his outfit includes green faux wings.

Camille: The Ocean Lover

Camille is a caring and good listener who loves the ocean. She enjoys pretending she's a mermaid. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and wears a blue T-shirt and fish-themed boots.

Emerson: The Performer

Emerson loves the stage and performing for her friends with her own poems and songs. She is an East Asian girl with black hair styled in two twisted buns. Her outfit includes a ballet-style top and star-spangled skirt.

Kendall: The Artist and Designer

Kendall is the group's artist and designer. She is great at arts, crafts, and recycling old things. She is a Black girl with dark skin and black hair in two high ponytail puffs. She also helps settle arguments among her friends.

Willa: The Nature Lover

Willa loves the outdoors, climbing trees, and making friends with animals. She even speaks "rabbit language." Willa has strawberry-blonde hair in pigtails, hazel eyes, and freckles. She wears a hedgehog print tee shirt and red ladybug boots.

World by Us: Girls Advocating for Change

The World by Us line was released in 2021. It focuses on social justice and change through the eyes of young girls. The main characters are Evette, Maritza, and Makena, who are close friends and work to make a difference.

Evette Peeters: Protecting Nature

Evette Peeters
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Evette loves vintage clothes, recycling, and protecting nature, especially the Anacostia River. When she finds racism in her own biracial family, she works to heal her family, friends, and the environment. Experts helped create Evette's story.

Maritza Ochoa: Advocating for Families

Maritza Ochoa
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Angela Cervantes

Maritza is a caring girl who loves her Latina heritage. She is a leader on and off the soccer field and is passionate about helping others, especially keeping immigrant families together. An expert from Kids In Need of Defense helped with Maritza's story.

Makena Williams: Speaking Up Through Fashion

Makena Williams
American Girl character
Created by	American Girl, Denise Lewis Patrick

Makena loves art and her family, who have ties to Kenya. Her real passion is fashion, which she uses to express her views. After experiencing a racist incident, Makena uses her style to speak up about unfairness. An expert on race and ethnicity helped advise on Makena's story.

Images for kids

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  Kaya'aton'my, also known as Kaya, is a Nez Perce girl from 1764.

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  Samantha Parkington, one of the first American Girl dolls, represents the Edwardian era in 1904.

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  The WellieWishers dolls, released in 2016, are a group of young girls who play in a garden.