American Girl Introduces the 2024 Girl of the Year

Lila is both a horseback rider and competitive gymnast learning to face new challenges.

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Just in time for the holiday season, a very popular gift has appeared on the horizon that kids are surely bound to be asking for. American Girl has announced its 2024 Girl of the Year—Lila Monetti. She's a 10-year-old growing up in Minnesota who is developing new hobbies and pushing through challenges.

If you remember, the 2023 Girl of the Year was Kavi—the first South Asian American Girl doll. Like Kavi and all of the American Girl dolls, Lila has a whole story to tell.

"Since the first Girl of the Year debuted in 2001, American Girl’s contemporary characters have represented a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and interests that help reflect what it means to be an American girl today," says Julie Parks, an American Girl spokesperson. "Like many characters that came before her, Lila is both relatable and inspirational and serves as a positive role model for our young fans."

Among Lila's interests—she's moving up to a competitive gymnastics team and also has started horseback riding.

"Both of these things make her very nervous! In between, she also faces a common crossroads for girls her age: a changing friendship with her best friend," explains Parks. "In the end, she learns that goals don’t always have to be about sports, medals, and trophies—an equally important goal might be to allow a friendship to change and grow over time."  

American Girl developed Lila's story along with author Erin Falligant. The story is told via a journal that comes with the doll. A full-length book, Lila Goes for Gold, comes out in January 2024. Funny enough, in the book, Lila's gymnastics coach is McKenna Brooks. American Girl fans may know that name. McKenna was the 2012 Girl of the Year.

"We had so much fun reintroducing McKenna to Lila’s story! Over the years, we’ve had many requests to bring back past characters, which definitely speaks to the staying power of American Girl," says Parks. "By incorporating a fan-favorite like McKenna into an all-new story, we were able to rekindle some of that nostalgic love among older fans, while introducing her to new fans and providing a strong mentor for Lila in her gymnastics journey."

The Lila doll has amber eyes and caramel-colored hair. It comes styled in two half-ponytails. She's wearing a glittery pink tank and track pants. But of course, there are all sorts of outfits and accessories for Lila that you can buy. But it's her story American Girl hopes kids will learn from.

"Lila faces many everyday challenges and, like most children today, has dreams both big and small," says Parks. "In the end, it’s about how Lila manages her fears and faces her obstacles with courage, confidence, and strength of character that make her relatable and a true role model."

Lila's hobbies are a big part of that learning experience. In order to recreate that in your home, your kids will be sure to ask for Lila's horse Hollyhock along with the 20-piece stable. You can also get a full set of gymnastics equipment including a balance beam and uneven bars. Gymnastics fans will recognize Lila's leotard brand, GK Elite, which is the same brand the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team wears.

Parks says they chose gymnastics and horseback riding for Lila because of the research they do prior to developing new characters—particularly when it comes to the activities that are currently resonating with kids.

"For our 2024 Girl of the Year, gymnastics and horseback riding ranked high among kids’ interests," explains Parks. "While we realize these activities may be aspirational for some, we know that our fans don’t necessarily have to share the same exact hobbies to relate to Lila’s story."

Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the announcement—American Girl is donating $25,000 worth of Girl of the Year books to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy Program. The two groups have had a relationship for more than a decade.

"As a longtime children’s publisher, American Girl proudly champions children’s literacy and believes wholeheartedly that strong readers become strong leaders," Parks explains. "With Save the Children’s focus on underserved areas across the country, we align well with their mission to help develop students’ reading skills and provide the guidance and support they need to grow as readers."

“Save the Children is grateful for American Girl’s generous contribution of books to help the children we support grow in their reading,” says Laura Peterson, Save the Children’s Head of Program Design & Impact, U.S. Programs. “Book donations are vital to our school-age programs, where we help struggling readers learn to read during and after school, so they can read to learn, grow, and thrive.”

(You may remember Ms. Rachel recently joined Save the Children as an Ambassador to promote early learning and literacy.)

Lila and the rest of the Girl of the Year line is now available for purchase both online and in American Girl stores across the country. The doll and journal retail for $115. Lila's clothes, accessories, gymnastics set, horse, and stable range in price from $20-$175. If you visit an American Girl store, you can even experience Lila-themed menu items at the cafe.

"Our goal at American Girl has always been to create stories, products, and experiences that support and encourage girls throughout childhood," says Parks. "We hope Lila will inspire kids to find joy in unexpected friendships (including those of the four-legged variety!) and learn how to face new challenges with purpose and positivity."

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