Toy brand American Girl announced its first South Asian “Girl of the Year” doll on Thursday.
Kavika Sharma — Kavi for short — has made history as the first South Asian to join the toy company’s popular annual lineup.
Kavi is an 11-year-old Indian American girl who lives in Metuchen, New Jersey, with her Hindu family. Her town is a train ride away from New York City, where she loves watching Broadway shows. She notably has a passion for singing, dancing and playing the piano.
As American Girl’s “Girl of the Year” dolls are based on modern characters with current-day stories, the 11-year-old’s adventures will be illustrated in a paperback journal and a hardcover novel titled “It’s Showtime, Kavi,” written by best-selling author Varsha Bajaj. The novel, which will debut in March 2023, will highlight Indian culture, including dance, food and festivals like Holi and Diwali.
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“Helping to bring American Girl’s first South Asian Girl of the Year character to life was a privilege I didn’t take lightly,” Bajaj told Yahoo Life. “This was a chance to invite readers into my world, and I took immense delight in sharing Kavi’s stories with fans, including her love of performing and all the ways her family honors their Indian heritage.”
“I hope that Kavi’s story can be both a mirror, allowing girls to see themselves, and a welcoming window for girls who might be unfamiliar with Kavi’s world,” she added.
“Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are,” American Girl General Manager Jamie Cygielman said in a recent press statement.
Along with Kavi’s unveiling, American Girl will be donating $25,000 to New York City-based nonprofit Camp Broadway to fund scholarships for children participating in its summer program in New York next year.
Kavi’s ultimate collection includes songwriting accessories, a backstage set and a Bollywood dance costume. The doll, which retails for $115, is now available on AmericanGirl.com and will be sold at retail locations starting on Sunday.
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