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UPDATE: This American Girl doll giveaway has ended, but you can enter my new My American Girl doll giveaway now!
At long last, the new American Girl doll is here and she is the newest in their historical doll collection! Her name is Caroline and you can win her in this American Girl giveaway!
If you’ve read my other posts on American Girl this summer, you’ll remember that I’m a new convert to the American Girl brand…in large part thanks to understanding that American Girl was created by educators for the purpose of teaching young girls history through the stories of girls like them through the ages.
I fell in love with the girls’ stories when we visited the American Girl Place Chicago and even got teary-eyed as their stories came to life and I imagined what it must have been like to be a little girl living through WWII (a war my own father fought in!) or to be a young black girl in the South during the time of the Underground Railroad. They paint a picture of history that our daughters will never get in their textbooks alone!
While my heart leaned toward a historical American Girl doll, I completely understood my daughter’s choice when she decided on McKenna (the 2012 Doll of the Year) as her very first American Girl doll for one simple reason, “Her story is my story mom!”.
But when I learned that American Girl was adding their newest historical doll this September, I had to have a sneak peak! In fact, I shared Caroline on TV during my Talk of the Town “Save vs. Splurge” segment as the perfect gift for a family to join together to buy their little girl for a special occasion.
Caroline immediately won the hearts of the viewers and the crew and I heard mention of words like “Exquisite”, “Quality”, “Beautiful” and even “I’m Shocked!” over how well made and stunning the dolls actually are. (I guess I’m not the only cynic in this world!).
So now, 200 years after America secured its standing as a truly independent nation, I’m happy that I can introduce you to American Girl’s newest historical character, Caroline Abbott!
Caroline, an independent and adventurous nine-year-old girl whose story is set near Lake Ontario during the War of 1812, learns to face her most challenging moments using her heart as her compass. Going above and beyond to help those around her, I love that Caroline gives of herself without expecting anything in return—becoming the kind of real everyday hero that any girl can be. More importantly, Caroline shows girls today how to stay steady and believe in themselves during difficult times.
American Girl’s vice president, Jean McKenzie gives further insight into why Caroline was created:
“Our newest historical character, Caroline, is a brave, independent girl who teaches girls today that they can navigate life’s challenges by staying strong, making good decisions, and taking action. We know our fans will be inspired by the stories of Caroline, who shows girls that they can set their own course to help make changes for the greater good.”
I was so inspired that I couldn’t wait to give Caroline to my daughter!!!
But then I paused.
Hadn’t we just said that an American Girl doll is special and that we didn’t want her collecting EVERY single doll, but rather getting to know the doll through her stories and finding that special doll she identified with (like we did with McKenna)?
Yes, we did.
So we came up with what I think is the perfect solution (and to be honest, what I believe to be the original intent of the creators of American Girl): we’re going to introduce Caroline to Kariss through her stories first.
Caroline launches with six historical books written by author and social historian Kathleen Ernst…that should give Kariss plenty of time to get to know not only who Caroline is, but the period in which she grew up. Once she reads more about Caroline, then we’ll determine if and when she’s ready to meet her face to face 🙂
But I also realize that many of you are like me and either couldn’t afford an American Girl doll for your daughter or didn’t understand the heart behind the company until now and thus have not bought an American Girl doll. So I want to change that for one lucky reader…
The American Girl Doll company has been gracious enough to give me one American Girl Doll set to give away which includes both the Caroline doll and her first book, “Meet Caroline”. My only request is that this go to a girl who does not yet have an American Girl doll.
Yes, I realize I can’t legitimately track or prove that you don’t have an American Girl doll if you enter, but I’m going to trust that you, my faithful readers, will be honest in letting this doll be someone’s very FIRST American Girl doll!
So if you have a daughter, grand-daughter, niece, neighbor, or little friend that you know would LOVE this doll, I hope that you will enter the contest below and get the chance to meet Caroline for yourself!
UPDATE: Giveaway has ended – Congratulations to Sara R!
American Girl generously provided me with Caroline to both review and to giveaway. This post expresses all my own thoughts and I can’t wait to hear what you think about her too!
I would love to be able to win this doll for my niece because she is from an area close to where we live! How exciting!
I would love my girls to have one of the Historical AG dolls. They of course are enamored with the ones that “Look Like Me”. With her blond curls Caroline actually resembles one of my daughters AND has the Historical aspect that I love. Kind of a twofer. (I’m just not sure what we’d do for daughter #2!)
I would love this doll because my mom could never afford one when I was growing up. I also cant afford one for my daughter. She has inherited my love of all things girly. So i would love to win this for her so we can play dolls together.
I think American Girl dolls and everything having to do with them is a great influence on little girls. The stories they have and all the accessories make it a great thing for girls to get involved with.
My 6 year old daughter Alexa has been saving for her first American girl doll. She has been looking at American Girl magazines for the last two years and asking for one. We wanted to make sure she was old enough to take good care of such an expensive doll. She loves the new Caroline!
Oh drat. So I really DID double post. Sorry about that!
The system is telling me I already posted this, but it’s not showing up. I’m trying again just to be sure:
My girls each got to choose an American Girl doll for their 6th birthdays. My mom made those purchases. My youngest is still very much into playing with dolls and such. Oh, I’ll be honest – all of my girls enjoy it from time to time, but my older two are starting to age out of it just a little. But we did get the first Caroline book recently and loved it! I’d love to give this doll to my youngest this year!
My girls each got to choose an American Girl doll for their 6th birthdays. My mom made those purchases. My youngest is still very much into playing with dolls and such. Oh, I’ll be honest – all of my girls enjoy it from time to time, but my older two are starting to age out of it just a little. But we did get the first Caroline book recently and loved it! I’d love to give this doll to my youngest this year!
I would love this for my daughter. My sisters and I read all the books growing up but were never lucky enough to get a doll (there were 4 of us, so it would have been a huge investment for our parents to get us each one). I always told myself I would make sure my daughter has one, and Caroline is beautiful!
I would like this doll for a type 1 diabetic little girl who doesn’t have am AG doll.
I want Caroline to be the first American Girl Doll for my daughter because she is in the 4th grade now and many of her friends have AG Dolls. She asks us almost daily of she can get one!
My niece loves American Girl Dolls and has never had one. She would love Caroline and her story!
I believe that Caroline would be the perfect starting place for my granddaughter to learn about history. She’s a bright intelligent girl that loves to learn and Caroline would be perfect for her to learn about that time period.
My daughter has been wanting to have one. She’s been asking me for years and it would make a wonderful surprise 🙂
My daugther would love this doll because she has been wanting one really bad. Unlike people we don’t have an American Girl Store here in Florida yet. If i won this contest and i told my daughter she would be so happy. (:
My granddaughter would just love this doll,as she just moved in with us and had to leave all her dolls behind because it was a long distance move.
I would love to win this little doll for a sweet little girl who would have ours of fun playing with her.
I would love to win this doll for a sweet little girl who would have hours of fun with her.
My daughter would love this! Ive always wanted one and have wanted to get one for my daughter! But being a single mom I can’t afford one! She would be thrilled to get one!
I woud love to win this for my grandaughters!:)
My cousin has been saving up for an american girl doll for two years and being a ten year old she is still about $30 short and her birthday is no where in sight. My cousin is identical to Caroline, eyes and all. We have been searching for a doll that looks remotely similar to her and have been unable. This is a unique chance for her to finally be able to get the doll of her dreams, (she loves Caroline!), and she would be able to put her money into a bank account. Thank you so much for offering this , and please do consider my cousing for Caroline.
My daughter and I are reading aloud through the books together. We’ve done Kirsten and started on Molly. She loves the stories and wants to save up her allowance for a doll, even though she knows it will take a very long time!
My Grand daughter Mia has wanted one for so long. We just couldn’t get this for her. This is a great way to get one for her. Prayings he will win…. thank you for offering this.. some little girl will be so happy!!!
I love the history behind each doll and my daughter has always wanted one
im on a severe budget this year, post divorce, and this would be a dream gift for my daughter for Christmas!
This is a really pretty doll!! I would love to have her to go with my doll collection that my grandma started for me when i was a young child before she pasted away last year… also i love the color pink. Thus would be so great to have
Thank you sarha
My daughter, Elle, loves the AG dolls! She loves reading about the history and learning about how that doll lived! Her current favorite is Molly, but Caroline looks like she would fascinate Elle as well. Thanks for a great giveaway!!
My daughter looks just like this doll and has always wanted an american girl doll!
the doll looks like my niece if i win im gonna give it to her
I would love to give her to my niece! I had american girls when I was little, and I think my niece needs them as well.
My daughter enjoys playing with dolls but she enjoys having books read to her as well.
She’s only 2 but she is a very good mommy to her babies. My 14 and 12 year old sons
think she needs a new doll baby and this would be something nice to give to her from
them since it was there idea.
~Debra
debrasdollars.blogspot.com
I grew up with my own American Girl doll and it helped me stay a “little girl” just a little bit longer. Every girl today needs that. Not to mention, it’s a treasured keepsake and my doll brought so many wonderful memories into my childhood.
My daughter enjoys reading.
Her favorite books are history stories of famous people.
I think Caroline would be a wonderful companion for her as she reads! : )
My girls have begged and begged each year for a doll. I’d love to get them one but I just can not afford with buying for 7 kids to get them one. This would totally make their year.
This is so great! A has just started really playing with baby dolls, and I know she would enjoy hearing stories about her doll, and in turn, she’d actually be learning a bit of history!
It’s a classic and beautiful doll, with a teaching aspect applied to playing with toys. This part of history is becoming lost, what a great way to bring it back. My sis will love
I have several granddaughters who would so much enjoy learning – “living” history while playing with this doll!!!
Thanks for all the info you shared about the American Girl company. As an educator myself, I appreciate the fact that each book will teach young girls about history through their stories. I’m going to read some of the stories for myself now! If I was lucky enough to win a doll & book, I would give it to my niece 🙂
I hope I win because my family can’t afford one I have friends with them and they look so fun so I would love to have one I hope I do get her she is so pretty
I love American Girl Dolls….I don’t have any children but Caroline sure would like to live in the dollroom I have set up in my house. Someday all these beautiful dolls will be given to family and to special children to love them as I have.
I hope I win because my family can’t afford one I have friends with them and they look so fun so I would love to have one I hope I do get her
my husbands little sister would love to have this doll.
My daughter has recently started reading quite a few of the American Girl books & loves them. I love the positive messages they send & it’s a great way for my daughter to identify with girls her age from different time periods. She saw Caroline at Barnes and Noble this weekend & absolutely adored her!
Would love for Dacey to begin to learn about history and have a doll that makes it come alive!
I would love to share this special doll with my sweet daughter. It would be a great way to teach her a little history and how to care for special toys like an American Doll. I always wanted one but never got one as a child and our budget now would require saving for awhile to do it. SO this might be the only way I could ever give her one.
My daughter! I have been waiting for her to be ready. She loved the look of the New Orleans dolls last year, but I thought she was too. young. In fact, I’d probably put Caroline away for another year, anyhow…
I loved learning history from the American Girls, and now can’t wait to introduce them to my twin girls!
I really enjoyed reading your post on American Girl dolls. My daughter loves the books and yes does own a doll. I know many people that are turned off by the cost of the dolls and many other things, but I agree with you wholeheartedly. The message is positive and if they hook children into history and reading, I’m all for it. My daughter is 7 and identifies times in history by specific dolls. There are so many influences on young children today through media and other things, but I think this is a total positive one. I hope the winner loves her new doll. I just wanted to comment even though we are not eligible to win.
I was literally in tears reading all these entries; I wish I had an American Girl doll for each of you!!!
Erin, thank you for taking the time to share and for being so honest – both about why you love the dolls and that you’re not eligible for this giveaway. Hopefully I’ll have more in the future that you will be eligible for!
My daughter has absolutely feel in love with her, she hasn’t ever had one. Sometimes my job barely makes enough to pay the bills, so it’s hard to come up with the money to buy one for her, she is such a great little girl and she would be so tickled to have one. Maybe someday, if I don’t win, I can get her one of these awesome dolls, it would be a dream come true for her. Thank you
I would love to give this doll to my niece. She has been diagnosed with leukemia and not much makes her happy anymore. I was looking through the new catalog with her the other day and she pointed to me and said she liked Caroline. I personally don’t have the funds to buy Caroline for her and this is the closest chance I know that I’ll get. I really want to make my niece happy. She deserves it so much.
The reason why I would like to win this doll, aside of her beauty, is because: Since I moved to the coast I’ve missed home like crazy. It is odd to think that dolls make me feel like home, and this doll has a connection to that feeling, both the coast in which I am at right now, and home. I don’t have a baby girl, to give this to, but I know almost for sure that whenever I have a daughter it is going to look like this. Both my husband and my mom were this blonde when little, so 90% chances that my little angel-to-be, is going to look just like Caroline here. She just gives me hope that I have to have that little girl one day to give her to.
I would love for my Rose to have Caroline for her first (and likely only) American Girl doll. She is finally a good age for one (6) and I love how Caroline looks very similar to Rosie!
My little sister has heard many stories from me of when I played with my American girl doll, Kirsten, when I was her age. I would love to give her this new Caroline doll for her to make her own memories with!
I would love this doll for my daughter Rachel. She is always asking for one but we have never had the money to spend on one. She just learned to read a few months ago and her reading the story could help teach her a lot of things we are trying to teach her now. Wether its making the right decisions or being greatful for the things she has and receives. I know this would be a great suprise for her.
I was OBSESSED with American Girl when I was young- back when only Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly were available. Now my 5 year old daughter is the same- right now she’s “reading” the catalog- making up stories based on the pictures and the books we’ve borrowed from the library. My husband was very sceptical about American Girl at first. However, last week when he came home from work to have her tell him excitedly about Title IX and how that allows Julie to play basketball like the boys (from the Meet Julie book) he changed his mind.
When my daughter saw Caroline on the cover this month she yelled “Mama, she looks just like me!”
And she does, my daughter has long light blond curly hair and very light blue eyes. More than that, she likes what she’s learned about Caroline’s story- how Caroline has to face danger and be courageous.
I’d love to see her face if she had a Caroline of her own (it would make my dream as a kid come true too).
I would love to share this with Chloe. I had a love for the American girls growing up and devoured all the books. When I ran out I read the entire Dear America series which is historical fiction diaries. I can’t wait to share these stories with Chloe, if I win or not. 😉 I hope this makes one little girl very happy!
The comment describing the doll about making good decisions…..This is something that we talk about with our daughter all the time. Not that she will not make mistakes, but how important it is to stop and think before making a decision. I think this would be a great doll for my daughter to help reinforce what we are trying to teach. 🙂 She has asked for an American Girl doll, but we just haven’t wanted to spend this much money on a doll. Honestly, I did not know the stories they share until reading your blog.
Would love to give it to my niece. My sister and I grew up with the books and paperdolls, but never could buy the dolls or matching pajamas. We loved looing through the magazine at all the items though! She is in 3rd grade, and I know she’d love it!
My daughter is very excites about the American Girl catalog she got. This is the first time she has gotten excited about it. This would be great for her 1st AG doll
Sami, what a great opportunity for one of your fans!
Wow, My little girl would love this! She was hoping and praying to win a contest last year. She keeps asking if she won! 🙁 She doesn’t have any American Girl dolls! Really would love for her too! I am a single mom with 3 girls! Way too expensive for us, right now! But I do love how the girls all come with a history lesson. I homeschool so any fun way to sneak in a lesson is great!