Every year the American Girl doll company releases 1 new doll, starting January 1st, which is available for purchase for 1 year, or while supplies last. Their Girl of the Year doll for 2012 is McKenna Brooks. McKenna is an active athlete who loves gymnastics. However, she is a 4th grader who struggles in school with learning how to read. The doll is 18-inches and has long, caramel colored hair and blue eyes. She arrives with her own book entitled, McKenna, written by Mary Casanova. McKenna's story will inspire young girls to overcome their own personal challenges both physically and mentally.
In addition, young American Girl Doll fans can take part in an online opportunity, McKenna's Take the Challenge! strength quiz. At the end of the quiz, young girls are able to realize their top 3 strengths, out of a possible 8 categories, such as Music & Rhythm, Math & Numbers and Nature & Animals. After paricipating in 10 offline challenges, the participant will receive a trophy. For each trophy earned, American Girl will donate 25 cents (up to $50,000) to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy Program.