UPDATE: A new historical doll is on its way. According to American Girl, girls who are on the 25th anniversary cruise will be introduced to the new historical doll:
New Historical Character Event
Your girl can be one of the first to enjoy this in-depth introduction to the newest addition to our historical character line. The event gives girls the chance to discover more about the stories, find out what it was like growing up in that time, and create crafts inspired by the era. For guests ages 8 and up.
So, does that mean those on the cruise will be the first to have the opportunity to buy her? Will she be released in time for Christmas 2011? Or will they be getting a sneak peak for the doll to be released in 2012? What do you think?
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From my original post:
Between one of our reader’s (Libby) tip and some research of my own, I have found a little bit of info on a possible American Girl historical doll release set for June 2011.
From illustrator Christine Kornacki’s website:
LONG OVERDUE UPDATE
05/13/09 08:25 PM
Though my updates have been few and far between lately, don’t be alarmed. These lack of updates are not due to a lack of work. In fact, they are due to a surplus. For the past seven months, I have been working on a long term freelance job with the one and only American Girl Company. I am in the process of Illustrating not only my first book, but my first series of books! The details are very hush hush at the moment. But I can tell you, its going to be BIG. I still have another six months of painting before the project is finished, and the books are set to be released in June 2011. I’ll give you more info when I can. In the meantime, I’m sorry for the lack of new paintings being posted on here. Keep an eye out, though, new stuff is on the way.
And from a discussion board (less reliable):
My son and his girlfriend are “models” for adult characters in an upcoming American Girl book featuring a new doll in 2011. Their friend is the illustrator for a few of the upcoming books-a project she has been working on for over a year! From what they tell me(its super “hush=hush”) -its a Western theme book/Doll
So, what do you think? Is this Denise or Sarah? Or have you found out anything more in your research?
I’d like to remind everyone that none of this has been confirmed and there is no way of knowing whether the message board post is credible or related to the announcement from the illustrator.
Does Kanani ever say in her books what she considers herself race-wise? (Polynesian,White, etc.)
I just came back from the AG place in NYC and my grandma got me Kanani as an early bday gift! I’m sooooooo happppyyyy!!!! She’s beautiful!
I also got Julie and Nicki’s ears pierced and got Nicki’s hair re-curled; it was rlly frizzy!
After this shopping spree AND my Christmas gifts, I doubt I’m ever going to get anything else for the rest of my life!
Ava- I think Kanani mostly considers herself to be a native hawaiian- she seems very proud of her homeland. I ddin’t read the books but it seems that way.
Hawaiians are usually considered of asian race, so I think she’s asian.
Got my AG letter response today. I hear they answer the same thing when you write about a new store. Like I did about Philadelphia.
Dear Alyssa,
We are pleased to confirm that American Girl will be opening our tenth
experiential retail store in the summer of 2011! The American Girl
store in Washington D.C. will be located in Tysons Corner Center, one of
the largest retail centers in the country.
The new American Girl store will encompass 23,000 square feet. Visitors
will find the complete assortment of American Girl doll lines including
Historical Characters, My American Girl®, Bitty Baby® and Bitty Twins®,
as well as doll outfits, accessories, girl-sized clothing and a variety
of best-selling American Girl books.
We are excited to announce that the American Girl store in Washington
D.C. will feature a fun and casual Bistro with seating for 110. Guests
will be able to enjoy a meal and a delicious dessert or celebrate a
birthday in American Girl style!
Our popular Doll Hair Salon will provide new looks for dolls. And girls
will enjoy designing a cute doll-sized T-shirt in the Creativi-Tees
boutique.
A variety of special events and programs for girls and moms will be
offered throughout the year.
More details, including opening dates and any special celebrations, will
be released closer to the date. Please watch our website for
information as it becomes available. American Girl in Washington D.C.
will offer our customers a unique range of experiences in the familiar
spirit of American Girl where our goal every day is to celebrate girls!
We look forward to welcoming you in 2011!
We are complimented by your idea to consider Philadelphia as a future
location. Although we currently have no plans to open a store in
Philadelphia, we appreciate your comments as they are a valuable
resource in helping us determine if we are meeting the needs and
interests of the girls we serve.
Thank you for your interest in American Girl!
Sincerely,
American Girl Customer Service
Ava, Kanani’s 1/2 Kanaka Maoli and 1/2 Japanese on her dad’s side (her dad’s fully asian), and 1/2 German and 1/2 French on her mom’s.
Also, pure native Hawai’ian are Asian. Thee are actually three races (scientifically) called Caucasoid, Negroid, and Mongoloid. Kanaka Maoli fall into the Mongoloid race.
I just finished the “aloha Kanani” book and I have to say it was 1 of the GOTY’s best book! It rlly talked about helping others and a lot about Kanani’s feelings about her life and her culture.
I think AG will make Rachel, Kanani’s cousin, into a doll as well. She is a big part in the story. I think that AG will focus on Rachel because she has a good personality and will teach kids with divorced parents how to handle their feelings. I think having a Rachel doll would be a nice addition to Kanani’s collection
New historical? Exciting! I would love a doll with long, wavy hair and blue eyes. Again, pioneer or cowgirl sounds nice..:D
I love Kanani’s hairstyle. I really wanted Marisol because of her hair…but I think Kanani’s hair is very similar to Marisol’s:D
Hey everyone! I got Kanani!!! I actually made a vid on my YT channel if ya’ll wanna check it out!
Ew I think I just advertised. :/ didn’t mean to!!! lol! Anyways, I might do the cruise! My bday is Nov 26th and I’ll be 16, so instead of a sweet 16, this could be my party and present!!! It’s on a school week, that’s out only dilemma
**our not out lol! painting w/ wet nails ain’t fun!
I finished the 1st Kanani book and am almost done with #2. Best books ever!!
OMG I MIGHT GO TO THE AMERICAN GIRL PLACE FOR MY FIRST TIME!!!!! Idk when though!! It’d be the Denver one. Is that a very good one?? Like do they have the Bistro?? I’m sooooooo excited!!!!!!
It’d probably be this summer!!!!!! &)
I’m probably going to get Kanani for my birthday next month! I’ve been to the Dallas AG store. It was really hard to find, and it wasn’t too amazing. Hope you have fun though!
Hi, Does anyone know what head mold the new doll Kanani is?
^^^She’s the Jess mold.
Char,do you collect AG dolls yourself?
Yes and no. I bought Felicity, Samantha and Nellie for myself but they live in my daughter’s room. I have Barbie or two, but mostly enjoy collecting through my daughters. I do expect that their doll collections will still “live” here when they go off to college though.
^^Same with my mom. She said she’s “confiscating” my dolls when I go live in a dorm.
On that note, has anyone started school yet? I’ll be bored out of my mind sitting here for an extra week until my classes start.
i have six american girl dolls rebbeca, elizabeth , mia, kit, and two just like you dolls #29 alcia and a blonde one with blue eyes but a way older version of the newer one..
When I’m grown up and have kids, I’m giving my dolls to my kids.
Char,
Which Barbie’s do you have? I collect any knid.
How many Kanani and me E-cards have you guys made???
@Lena- I went back to school today. So tired, so very very tired…
Just finished Kanani’s book nd it was rlly good! Would u guys like it if later in the year they would add Kanani’s cousin, Rachel, into her collection?
To me, a Rachel doll would be useless. Because AG REALLY needs another blonde.
That said, I’m pretty indiferent to her.
But really, you guys should stop expecting every doll that comes out to have a best friend.
Does anybody know anything else about her, because I can not wait for a western girl!!!!!!!
Sarah:), I don’t think Denver one has a bistro;
I don’t think AG will make a Rachel doll in their August/September release. It’s too late by then. They might expect some sales for Christmas/Hannukah, etc but that’s it. Girls who have birthdays on Jan~early August can’t get Rachel if they only get AG doll on their birthday etc and they would have less time to earn money to buy Rachel, etc.
I just ordered kanani today!Cannot wait!i bought her with my own money, nd i had 4.50$ left, i gave it to my mom lmao
The western historical thing is a RUMOR. There is absolutley no factual basis for it. Something someone said on a message board cannot be trusted.
If a new historical is slated for September, I doubt there will be a Rachel doll even more.
@ Lena- true, but I think that Rachel wood be a cute addition to the collection. Not that AG needs another blonde, but I think that the fact that her parents r divorced wood make her relatable to some girls going through tough times, like a parents’ divorce.
And it would also make her like Julie.
but as for a historical doll, idk. It would be nice to get a new one, but to tell u the truth, a wild west doll wouldn’t seem that cool to me. I mean, horses yes! time period… no.
I would like them to make another african-american doll, in a time period like the 60s.
ohh yeahh I forgot about Julie! ahhh! im going crazy…
wat do u guy think about the new historical?
I’m going this month to AG store in Dallas! But I wish I was going to the NY or Chicago one. But this is still going to be awesome
! And a D.C one sounds cool!
1960′s I’d love just for the clothes and music, but not for another few years. The last thwo historicals were from the 1900s, and 1800 and before are history too.
What I want:
1960′s struggle for civil rights.
1800, free girl of color in New Orleans
1870-90, just for the fashion. Wild west would actually be pretty boring, because real life wasn’t all horse racing and robbery.
Sarah, I have sent 3000 ecards.
What is this whole ecard thing about anyway? Is it a contest?
My Kanani doll is on my lap rite now and she says hi! Actually, I renamed her “Leilani”. Now that she’s a part of my AG dolls’ family, they call her “Leilah”.
What would a western girl’s story even be about?
Nice Ashliegh!!
Wow today was not fun for me!! I was sick with the 24 hour flu!! I dint even make it to 1st periode before getting sick!!
Oh. My. Watermelons.
This. Is. Amazing.
I. Am. So. Excited.
I. Will. Be. On. Doll. Diaries. For. The. First. Time. Waiting. For. A. New. Historical. Release.
Because looking back, I read all your excited comments about Rebecca. And well, now I can be here and share the excitement with you!!
Char, can I please put a link to this on my site?? Thanks.
~Grace
Of course, you may link to the post. Thanks for asking.
Ashleigh did you mean 300 or 3000. If you meant 3000 I’ll never catch up to you I’ve only made 999. :^(
I meant 3000.
Sorry I haven`t been on in a while. I`ve been depressed lately. Since we are talking about the Historical Characters does anyone know when the Julie Albright: An American Girl Musical is I really want to audition. And from the post about the show on here someone said that you can only audition for the extras I don`t think that is true. I mean they only picked Abigail Breslin to play Kit because even before they did auditions they already wanted her to play Kit. Plus for Madison Davenport she just happened to be at the open auditions and when they saw her there they immediatly wanted her to be Ruthie. My best friend Natalie said that her parents are going to go to the auditions with her when they happen, and she is only doing it because I told her about it. I think she just wants to outshine me.
Idk about the movie Cami but I’m excited to see it!
Cami just because your friend now wants to audition doesn’t mean she wants to outshine you, it’s a lot of girls dreams to be actresses.
Since there is no entry on IMDB yet, and I can’t find any other information on an American Girl movie, I doubt it’s even in pre production, or has even been green lighted by a studio. All we have to go on is two articles. Don’t get your hopes up too high, this thing may not happen.