Online Newsletter #44

September - November 2008


Sad News: Samantha and Nellie Archived

As hard as this headline may be to believe, it is true. Here is the text of the email and snail mail letter that many AG fans have been getting:

Dear Samantha™ Fan,

We're writing with important news about an American Girl original, Samantha Parkington®. As one of her biggest fans, we wanted you to be among the first to know that soon, Samantha's complete collection-including Nellie® and her accessories-will be moving into the American Girl Archives™.

While Samantha has been one of American Girl's most popular historical characters since her introduction in 1986, we felt the timing was right to preserve her place in American Girl's history, making it possible to introduce new characters and time periods for our customers to enjoy.

Starting today, we're inviting American Girl fans to share their favorite Samantha memories (see below) as a way of commemorating Samantha and the impact she's had on girls for more than 22 years. Whether it's remembering your beloved Samantha doll or an important lesson learned from her books, we want to hear your story.

We hope you'll join us in celebrating Samantha! Watch for more information via our catalogues or at americangirl.com. In the meantime, don't miss the opportunity to purchase items from Samantha's collection before it's too late. Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,
American Girl

P.S. Though Samantha will soon be moving into the American Girl Archives, her stories will live on! You'll continue to find Samantha books at americangirl.com, at American Girl stores, and at booksellers nationwide.

The website that AG has set up where fans can share their stories and memories about Samantha can be found here.

American Girl fans who are upset about this should write, call, and email American Girl. Be sure to be respectful in your communications, especially when calling, since the customer service representatives have nothing to do with the decision. But we need to let American Girl know how we feel about this decision.

Given that this decision was probably made with negative fan reaction in mind and so it may seem unlikely that we can change it, let's also let them know that if they won't reconsider the archival, then we want "archival" to be a temporary move, rather than permanent retirement. Let's tell them we hope and expect to see Samantha and Nellie back someday.

Samantha and Nellie's items are also going FAST due to this news, so if you want anything from their collections, now is the time to order.



New Historical Products and More

American Girl recently released some new historical outfits and accessories! They include Felicity's gala gown, Josefina's fiesta dress, a new oven and food set for Josefina, a set of three animals for Kaya, a baking outfit and a holiday treats set for Kirsten, a redesigned Kirsten table & chairs set which now includes some floral "painted" designs on the wood, a Sunday best outfit for Addy, a new birthday treats/ice cream set for Addy, a blue velvet dress for Samantha, a turquoise and red sweater and skirt set for Molly, a school skirt outfit and a holiday baking set for Kit, a Christmas dress for Ruthie, and a mini Ruthie.

American Girl also released new Just Like You outfits and accessories, including new holiday outfits and a sleigh that is like the retired one for Samantha and Nellie, only black. As always, check out the "What's New for Dolls" section on American Girl's website to see pictures and prices!



New Historical Mysteries to Come

In other news sure to please historical character fans, there will be new historical character mysteries published in February 2009! Amazon.com lists their publication date as February 2, 2009. The are: Clues in the Shadows: A Molly Mystery, by Kathleen Ernst; The Cry of the Loon: A Samantha Mystery, by Barbara Steiner; Lady Margaret's Ghost: A Felicity Mystery, by Elizabeth M. Jones; Tangled Web: A Julie Mystery, by Kathryn Reiss.



Rebecca Trademark Info

Rebecca's trademark information now includes the description, "Children's publications, namely, books and booklets featuring fictional and non-fictional stories of American history and events in American history." It was published for opposition in April 2008. This is all good news for fans of the historical American Girl characters! It doesn't guarantee there will be a Rebecca doll, but it does show American Girl is seriously working on the development of the historical girls line!



2009 LE Doll Info

Much more information on the 1009 LE doll and her movie has been uncovered. "Lulu" was apparently a code name, and the doll's real name will be Chrissa. Video Business has this short article confirming the direct-to-DVD movie, which will actually be titled, "An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong." Promotional materials have been sighted on the internet, including a pamphlet which gives this description:

Meet Chrissa Maxwell. She and her family have just moved, and Chrissa has to start at a new school mid-year. Will she fit in? Can she find new friends?

On her very first day, Chrissa is seated with three girls who greet her with teasing and tricks. The Mean bees really know how to sting--they bully Chrissa in class, on the bus, online, and even at swim club. Chrissa can't seem to make any new friends; not even with the girl who seems to need a friend the most. When the biggest bully becomes Chrissa's swimming rival, the taunting finally goes too far.

Now it's up to Chrissa. Will she find a way to stand strong and stop the bullying?


The picture of Chrissa is of a Caucasion girl with shoulder-length brown hair and gray eyes.

There is also rumor, though nothing official has been found, that there will be a friend doll for Chrissa as well.



Monthly Membership Stats

Here are the latest monthly membership stats:

New members in August: 5
New members in September: 4
Total members: 560



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