MARISOL TAKES CENTER STAGE AT AMERICAN GIRL

Newest Contemporary Character Taps Into Girls’ Passion for Dance

Middleton, WI – January 1, 2005 – Dressed and ready to perform her heart out, the newest American Girl is poised to take the stage and dance into the lives of girls everywhere. Marisol is the 2005 “Girl of the Year”—a modern-day character who’s lively, confident, and imaginative, and who comes to life with her own special story and 18-inch doll, plus several outfits and accessories. And whether it’s ballet folklórico (Mexican folkdance), jazz, or tap, this energetic 10-year-old lives to dance and inspires4 girls to follow their dreams. Marisol is the third in a series of limited-edition, contemporary characters from the American Girl Today® line, who reflects the interests and activities of today’s girls.

Like her girl of the year predecessors, Marisol will only be available while supplies last or until the end of 2005, when she’ll be replaced by the next contemporary character who reflects the interests and activities of girls today.

The Marisol book, written by award-winning author Gary Soto, shows a dynamic and creative 10-year-old Mexican American girl who was born to dance. When her parents decide to move from their close-knit, largely Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago, Marisol is faced with leaving the friends and community she loves. The upsetting news is made worse when she learns that the dance studio in her new neighborhood has closed. But with the help of new friends, resourceful Marisol figures out a way to keep dancing—and she learns that no matter where she is, it is her passion to dance and the improvements she strives for that stay with her, even in the midst of change.

The back of the book includes a glossary with meanings of different Spanish and ballet terms used throughout Marisol’s story, as well as a True Story section that focuses on four real girls, who like Marisol, put their hearts into dancing and who are striving to achieve their personal best through dance.

A beautifully crafted Marisol doll, featuring long, wavy brown hair, medium skin, light brown eyes, and cool, urban attire, brings the new character to life for girls. Like any dancer, Marisol’s accessories include several dance outfits like a ballet leotard with leg warmers and slippers, a tap ensemble with tap shoes, top hat and cane, and a performance trunk that holds everything Marisol needs to take her show on the road. And for girls who want to achieve Marisol’s look, a Dress Like Your Doll outfit is also available.

The Marisol doll, book, and accessories are currently available at American Girl Place® Chicago and New York, at americangirl.com, and through American Girl’s consumer catalogue. To request a free consumer catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
Introduced in 1995, American Girl Today is a line of contemporary dolls and accessories that celebrates the individuality and diversity of today’s American girls by reflecting their wide variety of lifestyles and interests. Driven by the same spirit and sensibilities that inspire The American Girls Collection® of historical characters, the American Girl Today line is designed to create a sense of pride, power, and possibility in today’s young girls.

American Girl, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com), was acquired by the world’s leading toy company in 1998. For nearly 20 years, American Girl has provided beautifully made products for each stage of a girl’s development, from her preschool days of fantasy play through her tween years of self-expression and individuality. Deeply committed to its mission to celebrate girls, the American Girl brand has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators. To date, American Girl has sold more than 10 million dolls and 100 million books.