Meet the newest American Girl doll, Claudie Wells. She is a historical character from the Harlem Renaissance era. Her story was written by New York Times best-selling novelist Brit Bennett, author of the Vanishing Half. American Girl is using the launch of the doll to give back to local neighborhoods. The company is donating $100,000 and dolls to the Harlem School of the Arts.
In addition, American Girl collaborated with Harlem’s Fashion Row and NY designer Samantha Black. Black designed three special edition outfits paying homage to 1920s glamour. Claudie’s accessory line includes a plush version of her dog, Dizzy Dot, a kick scooter, and an elaborate ’20s bakery with 60 pieces.
About the Newest American Girl Claudie Wells
The 18-inch doll has brown eyes and dark shoulder-length hair styled to the period with ringlets and a hair bow. American Girl designed a brand-new doll sculpt — including an all-new face mold — for the release. Claudie comes dressed in a woven blue-and-white plaid dress and knit cardigan with black Mary Janes, a heart-shaped necklace, and a cloche hat. Also included with the doll are a journal and a Baby Ruth candy bar.
Claudia is a 9-year-old navigating the booming cultural growth in her neighborhood in 1922. Along the way, she meets talented artists who inspire her to discover her unique talents, and she explores her family’s history as she finds her voice. Meet Claudie is a paperback that comes with Claudie. Bennet was a lifelong American Girl fan and attributes her childhood love for the dolls, specifically Addy Walker. This marks Bennett’s first venture into middle-grade fiction.
“As a girl, I always loved studying the Harlem Renaissance — an outpouring of Black artistry that emerged alongside larger struggles for equal rights,” Bennett added. “I hope readers will enjoy exploring this fascinating era through Claudie’s eyes.”
The Claudie collection is available now on AmericanGirl.com and at all U.S. American Girl retail locations. A particular hardcover version of Meet Claudie is available on Amazon and in bookstores nationwide. A second Claudie book is anticipated in spring 2023.
