American Girl is ringing in the New Year with the debut of Gabriela McBride™, the company’s new 2017 Girl of the Year™!
Like past American Girls, Gabriela’s story is unique and inspiring. According to the official press release, “Gabriela is a true creative talent who uses the power of poetry to help her break down barriers and overcome a personal challenge with stuttering.” She was raised in a family of artists and is growing to love spoken word poetry. Gabriela finds that, “Spoken word helps her speech flow more easily and gives her the confidence to find her voice to help save her beloved community arts center from being torn down.”
The Gabriela doll will be available for purchase on Jan. 1, 2017, through American Girl’s catalogue; at americangirl.com; and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide, and will be available beyond 2017, a first for Girl of the Year dolls. Accessories include several performance-inspired outfits and accessories, including a dance barre, rehearsal and dance outfits, plus pretend headphones and a microphone.
There will also be an online site dedicated to Gabriela, where kids can go to for free book excerpts, videos, activities, wallpaper, and e-cards.
In addition, American Girl is partnering with Scholastic to create a curriculum called, Express Yourself. This customized curriculum will teach children in grades 3-5 how to use poetry as a tool for self-expression. The materials will be available at scholastic.com on March 1, 2017. It will also feature a poetry contest for kids that will run throughout April, National Poetry Month.
In conjunction with the launch of the Gabriela doll, American Girl stores will be hosting debut events at stores nationwide on Jan. 1. Visitors will enjoy in-store activities, colorful crafts, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. Check your local American Girl store for details.
Main image: Gabriela McBride™, American Girl’s 2017 Girl of the Year™.
Courtesy American Girl
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