This year's Girl of the Year, Joss Kendrick's release was quite strange. I'm not talking about the doll, but rather how they chose to release her collection. Typically, American Girl releases the new GotY on January 1st. However, Joss released on December 31. Instead of the main part of her collection being released, there are a few pieces that will be released in February. These items are Joss's VOLKSWAGEN BUS, and a wet suit (With no sleeves, because Joss is a trendy ten-year-old).
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| The 18" Joss Kendrick doll, $98, with her accessories, $30 |
So, who is Joss? Joss Kendrick is the latest Girl of the Year doll from the American Girl Doll Company. She is the first character to have a visible disability: She sports a hearing aid in her right ear. American Girl has had an option to add a hearing aid to an existing doll since 2012, but Joss is the first character to have a hearing aid.
Joss is a surfer; has been since she was 6; but when her brother Dylan dares her to try out for the cheer leading team, she quickly learns it isn't easy; these girls are athletes! But if she makes the team, maybe Dylan will help her win a surfing competition?
Joss was born deaf in her left ear, but she can hear a little bit in her right with her hearing aid. Joss has learned a few ways to cope with this over the years, such as putting her phone under her pillow so she wakes up from the vibrations, because she can't hear it, and asking people to stand on her right side when talking to her.
Joss has some neat things in her collection: a surfboard, a sea lion, and outfits for cheer practice and performances.
American Girl is donating over $1,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America, and has $1, $5, and $10 donation options on their website www.americangirl.com/shop/c/girl-of-the-year-joss .
Joss seems like a pretty cool doll! What do you think of her? Will you be getting her? I'm not sure if I will, I still want Luciana!
'til Next Time! - JCole
