For the first time in a long time I am SERIOUSLY excited about American Girl’s latest historical doll.
Claudie is from 1922 Harlem, New York and manages to stand out even in AG’s doll-heavy turn of the century lineup. (Think Samantha in 1904, Rebecca in 1914, Kit in 1934, Nanea in 1941, Molly in 1944…)
Partially it is because her outfits are so gorgeous!
But I think in general she is also a sign of American Girl FINALLY walking back from the heavy Millennial nostalgia trip they’ve been on lately. I did not like Courtney. But I fell in love with Claudie the minute I saw her PJ set.
(THE SILK HEADWRAP!)
The jury is still out if her story stands up (a common critique of the more recent dolls being how they’ve sacrificed good storytelling to “relatability”) but for once I actually want to find out for myself.
This is a doll I would actually want to buy for a child and not just because the box said “American Girl” or because I was feeling nostalgic. Heck, it is a doll I would buy for myself. I want to read her book; I want to see her in person.
Anyway, I’m kind of obsessed at the moment and if this mood lasts, plan to kidnap* some of my co-workers’ daughters and finally visit the American Girl Store in D.C. You’re welcome to join.
*with permission
Fernweh's Call 
August 29th, 2022 at 11:47 am
Looks interesting! The old American Girls were the BEST!! I hope they’re making a turn around! I am very interested to figure out about her story! Thanks for letting the people know about Claudie!
October 15th, 2022 at 4:43 pm
[…] the D.C. American Girl store was only about 40 minutes from my house. Buzzing with excitement about Claudie, I half-jokingly told my legal assistant to find a child for me to take to the American Girl […]