In 2001, American Girl created Girl of the Year™: a world full of characters with relatable stories and experiences, giving a voice to a diverse range of personalities and backgrounds.
This year’s Girl of the Year™, Daisy Davenport™, is a confident girl who is a standout soccer player, a dedicated guitarist, and outdoor enthusiast. She is independent, and she takes pride in working hard to be good at the things she loves. Being naturally talented sometimes makes Daisy quick to lead, but not always quick to listen. She is starting to realize that she might not always be the best team player.
As Daisy heads to sleepaway camp for the first time, she is excited her best friend, Callie, is going too. But when one thing after another goes wrong, Daisy finds herself in front of new worries like homesickness, teamwork struggles, and a growing fear of the dark. This usually confident kid is now starting to wonder if she can face the challenges of summer camp.
Our Girl of the Year™ 2027 teaches girls so much through her story. Keep reading to learn the lessons, as well as hear from the author.
Daisy’s story teaches girls the importance of trying again,even when you failr or aren't immediately good at something. Through Daisy’s journey, where she struggles with the new environment of summer camp and learning that she’s not the best team player, she exhibits resilience and persistence. It’s not always easy for her to hear critical feedback, but the Camp Gowonagin motto of "Go on again and try!" really resonates with her.
Daisy shows girls why time in nature is so important for mental and physical health, building on the nature-loving, outdoorsy vibes of Madison where she grows up. Even when she faces her fears at summer camp, within the deep darkness of the woods, she revels in nature. She also learns to slow down and enjoy the peaceful, quiet moments, like a sunrise over a lake.
Daisy is excited to go to the same summer camp that her mom attended, but over the course of her story, she learns about more women and girls who are also alumnae of Camp Gowonagin (including Molly McIntire™!). Daisy shows girls how our experiences bridge the gaps between generations, linking us all to an evolving but joyful story of girlhood, and how girls can use this link to reach out to and support others in their communities at any age.
Megan Wagner Lloyd is the writer of the bestselling graphic novels Allergic, which was nominated for an Eisner award; Squished, which received multiple starred reviews; and Winging It, which School Library Journal called a “must-have.”
She is also the author of the Super Pancake graphic novel series and more. Megan grew up with American Girl and still has her childhood Kirsten doll. She loves reading and spending time outdoors in the Washington, D.C., area.
It was so much fun from start to finish. As a lifelong American Girl fan, getting the chance to tell the story of a new character going to Camp Gowonagin, just like Molly McIntire, was a dream come true! I loved brainstorming the challenges and adventures Daisy would experience during her first time at sleepaway camp and figuring out how she would come through it all stronger than ever.
Daisy is outgoing, has a can-do spirit, and is always on the go. She loves hanging out with her friends, playing the guitar, and playing soccer. Like all of us, she’s embarrassed when she makes mistakes, and has to learn to try, try again (the Camp Gowonagin way!).
Daisy is naturally confident, but when she finds herself in a new place and surrounded by new people, she has to face new fears and challenges. I love how Daisy learns to grow as a person and work together with her cabinmates. Badger Cabin is the best!
I played soccer, but unlike Daisy I only played for a couple of seasons. I also played the violin, like Daisy plays the guitar. I was a lot shyer than Daisy, but like her I tried very hard at the things I did and had to learn how to deal with a lot of big feelings when things didn’t always go according to plan.
Camp Gowonagin gives Daisy and the other campers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of their regular lives and reconnect with nature. I did a lot of camping and hiking and spending time outside growing up, and those are some of my most treasured childhood memories…gazing up at the sweep of stars from a campsite near the Grand Canyon, watching otters swimming on the California coast, hiking in the fall colors of the Appalachian trail. I moved a lot so I was able to experience the beauty of many parts of the country.
But what I love most about nature is that you don’t have to go far away to find it. Going to a neighborhood park, planting a pot of flowers, or even just cloud-watching can all bring back those peaceful feelings.
By writing Daisy’s story, I felt like I was adding my own patch to a quilt of stories that many incredible authors have been creating since 1986. I loved bringing my own creativity to Daisy’s story, while also striving to help it fit with the many amazing stories that have already been shared. I love how American Girl books highlight girls’ bravery, resilience, confidence, and kindness, both throughout history and in the present day, and it has been an honor to be a small part of that shared legacy.
American Girl collaborated with expert advisors to ensure every detail of Daisy’s story was accurate:
Laurie McMurray is a Co-Director of the Adventure Education program at Camp Daggett, a year-round camp in northern Michigan. She has a background in teaching, with degrees in elementary and special education. She has led experiential education for kids and adults for over 20 years. In addition, as a professional ski instructor, she frequently instructs youth with special needs.
Jackie Glascock PhD serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at Cure SMA. She directs research to better understand spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and help those with SMA like Daisy's cabinmate Violet. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has watched the field evolve and believes learning more about SMA biology will create breakthroughs. She thinks every girl who asks “why” can grow up to change the world.
Sarah Bellish works on the Policy and Advocacy team at Cure SMA. Living with spinal muscular atrophy, Sarah brings a personal voice to her work, helping to uplift and connect the SMA community. As a child, she attended a summer camp for kids with disabilities, where she thrived because everyone was included. That shaped her belief in the power of belonging and advocacy.
Go on and explore Camp Gowonagin with our Girl of the Year!
Daisy Davenport is a confident girl who is a standout soccer player, a dedicated guitarist, and outdoor enthusiast. She is independent, and she takes pride in working hard to be good at the things she loves.
Girl of the Year characters provide girls with relatable, inspirational role models. Daisy’s story teaches girls the importance of trying again, what it means to find joy in nature, and how experiences can be similar across generations.
Daisy exhibits resilience and persistence throughout her story. She learns what it means to be a team player and to persevere when things get tough. In addition, her story shows girls how to slow down and enjoy the peaceful, quiet moments outdoors.
American Girl began Girl of the Year in 2001. Each character brings a story and collection rooted in what interests girls today. Each one has their own personality and background, creating a diverse range of perspectives.
Daisy’s collection includes everything a girl would need for camp, and then some! Included is a camp cabin, a campfire set complete with a guitar, s’mores pajamas and camp-inspired clothes, a camp dog and doghouse, soccer gear, and a camp table with party snacks and crafts!
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