American Girl's 2014 Doll of the Year Revealed: Meet Isabelle the Dancer
Meet Isabelle, the newest doll in the American Girl Doll line.
The specialty line produces dolls depicting girls of diverse races and interests as well as physical differences and disabilities, and each doll comes with books detailing her individual story.
American Girl Dolls Embrace Differences and Disabilities
Books based on Isabelle's life will tell the story of 10-year-old Isabelle Palmer, a dancer who is studying ballet at a performing arts school.
Isabelle, who has a flair for designing ballet costumes, has trouble adjusting to a new school, and struggles with self-doubt in the dance studio until she finds a way to stand out and use her talent to help others.
The book also highlights the stories of actual girls who have followed their creative passions.
The dolls retail at American Girl stores nationwide for $110 each, and accessories cost extra.
A Special Sparkle section in the line's 2012 holiday catalog included a miniature service dog in harness, a hearing aid and an allergy-free lunch kit.
The Isabelle collection will be in stores starting Jan. 1, 2014, and they'll be available for one year. Related interactive initiatives will be unveiled throughout the year, including apps, a learning guide, a virtual dance school where girls can explore creative arts, plus events that will feature dance demonstrations, craft activities and giveaways.
A movie based on Isabelle's stories will premiere on DVD in the summer.