American Girl, the beloved brand known for helping girls grow up with confidence and character, earlier this week announced the launch of its first historical character in three years, Courtney Moore, and I AM FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT.
"She is a total ‘80s girl whose big, bright and bold ideas inspire today’s girls to find their inner hero to accomplish great things. Growing up in 1986, Courtney’s story reflects the pop culture of the decade from sky-high hair, neon-colored fashions, music television, and video gaming to major historical moments surrounding women in government and space exploration, as well as larger cultural shifts around blended families and emerging technology."
My sisters and I are children of the '80s and early '90s, growing up with our own American Girl dolls (I had Samantha) and their historical stories. Pre-internet, pre-Netflix, American Girl was how I learned about history in a fun way because it was told from the perspective of a young girl living in that time period. We had the entire series of books for the four dolls in my household and I read every single one.
When I saw American Girl has released an '80s style doll who plays video games and wants to code her own games, I felt like this doll was designed exactly for someone like a young me. Courtney is going to show young girls interested in technology that they can work in tech and help close the gender gap.
If you're unfamiliar with the historical American Girl dolls line, they help teach young girls about history through a line of dolls with accessories, novels and more. Courtney's story can be learned in a two-book series.
"Written by Kellen Hertz, the two-book series introduces girls to Courtney Moore, an avid gamer growing up with her blended family in the fictional town of Orange Valley, CA. Courtney loves going to the mall, especially the arcade, where she’s one of the top-scoring PAC-MAN™ players. But Courtney doesn’t only play video games, she’d like to create them and bring more girl characters to the forefront. When given a chance to create her own video game, Courtney looks to real-life heroes—like her mom, who’s running for mayor, as well as the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Challenger—as inspiration to invent a female superhero who’s bold, brave, and gives Courtney the courage to speak up for the people and ideas she believes in."
One of the most exciting things about the announcement of this doll is that American Girl is putting their money where their mouth is.
"American Girl is partnering with Girls Who Code, a leading nonprofit that’s on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a computer programmer looks like and does. From now through December 31, 2020, American Girl is matching customer donations dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $50,000 to support the organization’s programming and outreach to girls, including those from historically underrepresented minority groups. In addition, American Girl is providing a $5,000 scholarship to four deserving Girls Who Code members to help further their education in computer science or a related field. To learn more about how American Girl is helping Girls Who Code, visit americangirl.com/gwc."
Donations to Girls Who Code can be made right on the American Girl web page for Courtney.
American Girl doll Courtney Moore is now available for purchase.
Information and photos provided in this blog courtesy of American Girl and Girls Who Code.