American Girl fans everywhere will say ‘Aloha’ as the doll company added a Native Hawaiian doll to its BeForever collection today.
The doll’s character, Nanea Mitchell, is a Hawaiian girl growing up on the island of Oahu in 1941, according to a Mattel press release. The historical story will explore the Hawaiian experiences in the weeks leading up to and the weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The doll is 18 inches tall and is priced at $115.
American Girl states the company worked closely with a five-member advisory board who provided knowledge in Hawaiian culture, language, and history to contribute to “all aspects of Nanea’s development.”
Mattel states Nanea’s story “illuminates how the courage, patriotism, and aloha spirit of the Hawaiian people inspired a nation at war and shows how one girl can make a meaningful difference in the face of big change.”
“At its heart, our BeForever line is about building a bridge of understanding, helping girls today see the interconnectedness—the feelings, experiences, hopes, and dreams—that exists between themselves and girls from long ago,” states Katy Dickson, president of American Girl. “We hope Nanea’s powerful story of resilience, responsibility to others, and contributing for the common good—or kokua, as it’s known in Hawaii—will resonate with girls and show them they have the power within to face the obstacles that come their way.”
Newbery Honor Award-winning author Kirby Larson writes the Nanea series books, introducing Nanea when she’s nine years old. The press release states Nanea loves her close-knit extended family, dancing the hula, fishing with her father, and playing with her dog, Mele. Nanea’s father works at Pearl Harbor.
When Japan attacks, the family faces martial law and the community is on edge. The press release states that amidst the chaos, Nanea “embraces her spirit of aloha and deeply held belief in kokua—doing good deeds and giving selflessly.”
The Nanea doll collection includes Hawaiian-inspired doll outfits, a toy wooden store and apparel for girls.
American Girl will host sweepstakes and retail events to promote Nanea’s release. In addition, American Girl will provide learning materials for educators as well as informational YouTube videos.
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