Meet the 2023 American Girl Doll of the Year
Kavi Sharma is the brand's first South Asian Girl of the Year.
American Girl is introducing 2023's Girl of the Year: Kavi (pronounced KUH-vee, according to a comment from the brand's Instagram) Sharma.
Kavi marks the brand's first South Asian Girl of the Year, a contemporary line that was introduced over 20 years ago with the intention of reflecting the diverse backgrounds of American girls today.
“As we ring in a new year, we’re excited to have Kavi Sharma take center stage in our popular Girl of the Year lineup,” Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said in a press statement. “Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are.”
Kavi grew up in New Jersey, barely a stone's throw from her two favorite places: New York City and Broadway. Kavi loves to sing and dance herself, but, like many kids today, struggles with her other priorities, like schoolwork and family responsibilities. "Through Kavi, young readers will learn the importance of finding a healthy rhythm in life and feel inspired to pursue their own unique talents and reach for their dreams," her description reads.
To build her world, the brand partnered up with New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj, as well as a team of advisors. The final story is included in an illustrated paperback journal that comes with the doll. It will also be released as a hardcover novel next year.
Bajaj said, “Kavi’s story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented. I took immense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi.”
Like all other full-sized American Girl dolls, Kavi comes as an 18-inch doll. She has brown eyes, a medium skin tone, and dark hair worn in a half ponytail. She comes in a colorful cropped mesh top with silver jogging pants and pink tennis shoes. Her whole collection features a mini keyboard, a folding stage and rolling wardrobe, a vanity, a Bollywood dance costume, a plush pet dog, a faux-fur bucket hat, a quilted purse and more.
American Girl is also partnering with the Broadway Education Alliance’s Camp Broadway, which makes theater arts accessible to kids, to support young artists like Kavi. The brand is donating $25,000 to fund scholarships for the 2023 summer program in NYC.
Other ways they're celebrating the newest Girl of the Year include a Q&A with Bajaj, a Kavi animated series, and in-store giveaways through Jan. 1.
Fans on Instagram are thrilled with the announcement.
"THANK YOU FOR THIS I LOVE YOU FOR THIS LITTLE ME NEEDED THIS I AM SO EXCITED TO READ ABT BOLLYWOOD IN AN AG BOOK," one wrote.
"I love that she’s a theatre kid 😍," said another.
"I am so excited for this doll! My soon to be 2 yr old daughter is named Kavi. We're an Indian American family living in NJ and my little one practices yoga with her grandma. It feels like this doll was made for her and I cannot wait to purchase it for her. I can't explain how big this is. Growing up I would never see my name anywhere. Now my daughter has a doll with the same name as her. This is huge!!! ❤️❤️❤️," another excited comment read.
For more information on Kavi, visit American Girl's website.
