If you haven’t had a chance to meet Melody Ellison, you must!
Melody is the newest doll in American Girl’s BeForever line and her adventures are set in the civil rights era of 1960’s Detroit. She has a passion for music and a heart beating for change. Melody says:
Fairness and equality for all people sound like music to my ears. More than ever, I need to lend my support at home, at church, and around my neighborhood. It’ll take courage, but adding my voice to others can really make a difference.
And, as with all American Girl dolls, Melody is absolutely gorgeous; a classic that Jemma is thrilled to welcome into her circle of dolls.
American Girl put a lot of leg work into the development of Melody’s character and the doll itself. For 2 years an advisory board with ties to the African American community joined forces with the team at American Girl to create Melody’s world. Together they helped develop an amazing doll who is sure to teach and inspire many young girls through accurate, both historical and cultural, representation.
In celebration of Melody’s release, American Girl has launched the Lift Your Voice with Melody campaign. Life Your Voice is an opportunity for girls to be vocal for a cause that is important to them. You can watch 3 amazing stories here. And, best of all, you and your daughters can join in!
To participate, encourage your girls to share their story and their passion. It can be through artwork, a video, photo, or anything else that spurs their creativity. Then, share it on social media with the hashtag #LiftYourVoice.
Jemma and I are currently reading Melody’s first book, No Ordinary Sound, and plan to bring the Lift Your Voice campaign into the first days of our homeschool year. With a mix of history and the arts I can’t think of a better way to kick off the school year! Plus, American Girl has created learning materials for parents and teachers to explore issues from the 1960s. That makes this homeschool mama happy!
If you live close to an American Girl store, head in this week for special Melody-inspired events that include a free craft, 1960s music, food, and a free gift. Check your local store for details.
A huge thank you to American Girl for sending Melody to Jemma for review. We’re both in love with her and can’t wait to finish reading her story!
i used love the stories growing but, dont think we have this in quebec, canada though.
I’m excited for the release of Melody and to read her books. I loved American Girl Dolls when I was little. And I love the message behind Melody!
Oh I love American Girl Dolls and the stories that each one has! I’m very much a boy mom now, but hope to one day have a little girl to share the love for these dolls with!