A budding entrepreneur, Summer™ joins the brand’s popular line of character dolls and books that inspire kids with courage, confidence, and strength of character
To champion children’s literacy, brand donates more than $100,0001 in American Girl books to longtime education partner and leading children’s nonprofit Save the Children
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, American Girl, a cornerstone in Mattel’s (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, unveils its 2025 Girl of the Year, Summer McKinny. Summer joins the brand’s line of contemporary characters that represent a wide range of backgrounds and interests to reflect what it means to be an American girl today. Growing up in Columbia, Maryland, ten-year-old Summer is a dog lover and baker who turns her two passions into a business of her own. Encouraged by her shop-owner aunt, Summer enters a youth entrepreneur fair where she gains new skills in business ownership—an increasingly popular career choice among Gen Alphas2. As Summer’s capabilities and confidence grow, she learns that hard work, patience, and understanding are at the heart of every successful venture—in business and in life.
“With her strong entrepreneurial spirit, Summer McKinny, our 2025 Girl of the Year, will resonate with today’s kids who are equally determined about pursuing their passions,” says Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “Like all of our beloved characters, Summer’s story of perseverance and self-discovery will inspire young fans to believe in themselves and serve as a reminder that every setback is simply a stepping-stone toward making their dreams a reality.”
American Girl worked with bestselling author Clare Hutton to create Summer’s story, which is told in an illustrated journal that comes with the doll as well as a separate full-length novel, Summer Gets to Work, that hits bookshelves in January 2025. According to Hutton, “I can’t wait for fans to meet sweet Summer and discover more about her love of pets and baking, as well as her motivation to start a small enterprise of her own. While being a young entrepreneur is challenging, Summer learns valuable lessons about managing her business and her relationships (the two-legged and four-legged varieties!) with creativity, empathy, and logic. I hope all readers walk away knowing that, like Summer, when they set their minds to a dream—anything is paws-ible!”
The 2025 Girl of the Year comes to life in a beautiful 18-inch Summer™ doll, featuring an exclusive look with light-blue eyes and strawberry-blonde hair with light-pink ends styled in two microbraids. Awash in her favorite pastel colors, Summer comes dressed in a tie-dye knit dress (also available in girl sizes), a pair of pink-and-purple ombre eyeglasses, two coordinated beaded bracelets, and platform sandals that all perfectly match her accessories, like a dog-themed embroidered purse, a sweet travel tumbler shaped like an ice cream cone, and more.
With pets at the heart of her story, Summer’s product world features plush versions of her two favorite animals: Crescent™— a fluffy white dog she adopts from the local animal shelter; and Fettuccine™, her aunt’s sassy cat that comes to visit. For aspiring entrepreneurs like Summer, there are plenty of pet- and baking- inspired products available, including a 21-piece Baking Accessories set, complete with a stand mixer that really spins, plus a 54-piece Treat Cart for her dog-walking and pet-treat business, Waggy Pup Tails™. Providing hours of imaginative play, the mobile cart has functional wheels, a removable striped awning, an assortment of faux pet baked goods, treat displays, stickers to customize the cart, and much more.
To celebrate Summer and further American Girl’s longstanding commitment to literacy and growing strong readers, the brand is donating more than $100,000 in retail value of American Girl books to Save the Children’s U.S. education programs. Working with local schools and other organizations, Save the Children has provided early education to millions of children in underserved areas across rural America.
Fans can further explore Summer’s new world through the following activities:
Retail experience: Visit American Girl retail to explore Summer’s product collection and enjoy Summer-inspired salon styles, special Girl of the Year brunches, Summer-themed menu items, and other activities.
Digital content: Tune in to AG’s popular YouTube and YouTube Kids Channel to view a Summer animated music video and other Summer-inspired content, plus download Summer’s single music release, Recipe of Me, available tomorrow on popular music streaming services.
Blog: Learn more about Summer and why she matters at americangirl.com.
The 2025 Girl of the Year is available today at americangirl.com and at American Girl retail stores.
1 Retail Value of ~14,500 titles
2 Mattel Global Consumer Insights, 2020
ABOUT MATTEL
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
ABOUT SAVE THE CHILDREN
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Save the Children has advocated for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, they work to ensure children have a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. Save the Children does whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we all share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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Contacts
Media Contacts
Michelle.Greene@mattel.com
Julie.Parks@mattel.com
