The Making of American Girl

The Making of American Girl is an American Girl publication which discusses the early history of the American Girl company through its start and planning in 1983 up to 1998.

The book covers the initial ideas and creation of the company by the founder Pleasant Rowland through her departure. Characters discussed are Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Addy Walker, Samantha Parkington, and Molly McIntire. The book also discusses the launch of American Girl Magazine and the opening of American Girl Place in Chicago.

The book contains behind-the-scenes data, as well as prototype and creation images and information about each character's creation, their Central Series books, and selected items in their Historical Collections.

Chapter One: A Girl Company: Discusses Pleasant Rowland's inspirations for the company and early company history and designs.
Chapter Two: Samantha Parkington: Discusses the creation of and stories of Samantha Parkington.
Chapter Three: Kirsten Larson: Discusses the creation of and stories of Kirsten Larson.
Chapter Four: Molly McIntire: Discusses the creation of and stories of Molly McIntire.
Chapter Five: Felicity Merriman: Discusses the creation of and stories of Felicity Merriman; including the Felicity's Tea Party event.
Chapter Six: American Girl Magazine: Discusses the creation of American Girl Magazine.
Chapter Seven: Addy Walker: Discusses the creation of and stories of Addy Walker.
Chapter Eight: Josefina Montoya: Discusses the creation of and stories of Josefina Montoya.
Chapter Nine: American Girl Place: Discusses the opening of American Girl Place Chicago, including the theater and American Girls Revue show.

Trivia

Sydney Paulsen (Instagram: 5hensandacocaktiel) was selected to take the recreation images of each doll in full size, and has a two-page spread about her doll photography and is credited as a photographer.
The section on Addy mentions Melody Ellison and Claudie Wells as additional Black characters but does not mention Cécile Rey, who is not available.

The Making of American Girl

Contents

Trivia

See Also