MIDDLETON, Wis., Aug. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, girls
everywhere will say "Aloha!" to American Girl's newest BeForever
character, Nanea Mitchell, a
Hawaiian girl growing up on the island of Oahu in 1941. Nanea's story explores what life
was like for islanders in the weeks leading up to and the aftermath
of the attack on Pearl Harbor on
December 7, 1941, and the U.S.'s
entry into World War Two. In bringing this significant period in
history to life for girls today, 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," says 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."
Written by Newbery Honor
Award-winning author Kirby Larson,
the Nanea series introduces readers to 9-year-old Nanea Mitchell. Nanea loves her close-knit
extended family, dancing the hula, fishing with her father, and
playing with her dog, Mele. Nanea is also eager to "dip her paddle
in" to be useful at home and at her grandparents' store. When Pearl
Harbor—the naval base where her father works—is attacked by
Japan, the peaceful existence the
Mitchells and their neighbors enjoy is replaced with martial law,
and rumors of additional attacks and frequent air-raid drills have
everyone on edge. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Nanea embraces
her spirit of aloha and deeply held belief in kokua—doing
good deeds and giving selflessly—to do her part for the war effort
and help restore peace to her beloved Hawaiian home.
In addition to the stories, the Nanea collection features a
beautiful 18-inch doll featuring an all-new face mold, hazel eyes,
and dark brown hair, plus several 1940s-era, Hawaiian-inspired doll
outfits and Nanea-inspired apparel for girls. Numerous
authentic-to-the-era accessories round out the play experience,
including Nanea's Hula Outfit and Hula Implements and Nanea's
Family Market, with 90 pieces, including a wooden store with a
movable counter, food, supplies, displays, and more.
To help ensure the historical accuracy and cultural authenticity
of Nanea's story and products, American Girl worked closely with a
five-member advisory board who provided their expertise in Hawaiian
culture, language, and history to inform all aspects of Nanea's
development—including the doll, books, outfits, and
accessories.
To support Nanea's inspiring message, from August 21 until the end of 2017, American Girl
will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross Service to
the Armed Forces (SAF) program to help provide comfort and care to
the members of the military, veterans, and their families. American
Girl will match every dollar donation made at americangirl.com or
at any American Girl store in the U.S. up to a maximum total
donation of $75,000. American Girl is
also giving $575,000 worth of its
signature 18-inch dolls to the American Red Cross to provide a bit
of cheer to children in times of crisis.
And, to engage girls in Nanea's world and her inspirational
message, American Girl is also introducing the following activities
and events:
- Nanea Island Inspiration Sweepstakes: American Girl has
partnered with Visit Oahu on a sweepstakes for the chance to win a
fun-filled family getaway for four to Oahu, which includes round-trip travel on
Hawaiian Airlines, a four-night stay at The Royal Hawaiian, tickets
for four to the Aha Aina Luau Show, a visit to two attractions at
Pearl Harbor, and a Nanea
doll.
- Nanea Retail Events: On August
25 and 26, American Girl's retail stores are hosting special
debut events to introduce girls to Nanea's world in 1941 Hawaii.
Girls will enjoy a hula demonstration, a fun free craft, a doll
drawstring bag giveaway, and a chance to win a Nanea doll.
Nanea-themed events will also be held at the American Girl stores
throughout the year.
- Nanea Videos and Online Play: Behind-the-scenes videos
on Nanea's story and development, along with fun Hawaiian-themed
craft and activity videos, are available on American Girl's YouTube
channel at YouTube.com/americangirl. Girls can also visit
the Nanea-dedicated site at americangirl.com/PlayNanea for
book excerpts, games and quizzes, wallpaper, and much more.
- Nanea Learning Materials: A free, downloadable teacher's
guide, which explores themes and issues covered in the Nanea book
series, is available at
americangirl.com/corporate/parents-and-teachers.
The Nanea product collection will be available on
August 21, 2017, at
americangirl.com; through American Girl's catalogue; at
americangirl.com; at all American Girl retail locations
nationwide; at American Girl specialty boutiques at select
Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations
in Mexico City. The Nanea books
can also be purchased through retail and online booksellers.
To learn more about Nanea and the BeForever line of historical
characters, go to americangirl.com or visit American Girl's
social channels. To request a free American Girl catalogue, call
1-800-845-0005; to join the company's new loyalty program,
AG Rewards, go to americangirl.com/REWARDS.
ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl is a premium brand
for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.
(NASDAQ:MAT, www.mattel.com), a creations company that
inspires the wonder of childhood. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an
inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a
girl's spirit and help develop her strength of character.
Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty
Baby™, WellieWishers™, and the classic historical character line
BeForever™. The company sells products through its award-winning
catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S.
experiential retail stores, and at select specialty retailers
nationwide. Outside of the U.S., American Girl products are sold in
specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in
Mexico City. By inspiring girls to
be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and
the praise and trust of parents and educators.
ABOUT AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross
shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of
disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches
skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid;
and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is
a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the
generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more
information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or
visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. The Red Cross emblem is a
protected symbol designated for use by the United States armed forces and the
American Red Cross under federal statute 18 USC §706.
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SOURCE American Girl