American Girl announces Girl of the Year, and she’s got big dreams
She’s out of this world
On Thursday, Mattel, which owns American Girl, announced its Girl of the Year for 2018 on “Good Morning America.” Its newest addition is 11-year-old Luciana Vega, an “aspiring astronaut who dreams of being the first person to go to Mars,” said the doll makers in a statement.
She even has “a distinctive purple streak to show off her creative side.”
The chapter book series, launched in conjunction with the 18-inch doll, depicts the new toy as a tween of Chilean descent who wins a scholarship and attends Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
To develop Luciana’s story and product line, American Girl worked with three women in the STEM field: a NASA Astronaut, a former NASA chief scientist and the CEO of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Luciana will come with a flight suit, space suit, maker station and Mars habitat.
The history of American Girl
American Girl debuted its line of dolls and elaborate accessories in 1986, with much success. With each collectible doll comes a detailed background story.
Today, girls can take their dolls to American Girl stores around the country and pay for their doll’s hairstyling, ear piercing, a spa deluxe package, and even a hearing aid.
Girl of the Year
In 2001, American Girl launched its Girl of the Year line. Last year, Gabriela McBride, the first African-American Girl of the Year, also debuted on “Good Morning America.”
The sixteenth Girl of the Year doll, Luciana, will be available to purchase starting on Monday, Jan. 1.
