UPDATES! American Girl of the Year Doll Summer McKinny - What We Know So Far

Talking about American Girl of the Year 2025 Doll Summer McKinny and Daisy!
Summer Gets to Work Book: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl...
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[@PearlinBloom]

Goty 2026 will not only be the 40th year of AG but also will coincide with America 250 aka the Semiquincentennial. I really hope they do something with that. Either some special new releases or maybe re-releasing things like Addy’s patriotic dress, Kirsten’s on the trail dress, Molly’s Ms. Victory, etc. I don’t know why but I could see re-releasing older ❤️🤍💙 outfits as a neat tie in without being too cheesy.

[@idreamofjonny]

They have been doing a lot of re-releasing of things, so it's totally possible!

[@rebeccatrushenski5506]

I thinks it’s important to remember that race isn’t the only way diversity can be shown in the dolls and stories. Different family structures, socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, and so many other things are being shown in these dolls and stories. For example, a child whose family is separated by divorce may still be able to relate to and learn from Corinne’s story even if they are not Chinese American.

[@idreamofjonny]

Oh yeah, totally. I think they’re trying to do as much as they can without losing sales to people that tend to only buy dolls for their children that look like their children. I still think there aren’t enough Black Girl of the Year dolls, specifically, though

[@rebeccatrushenski5506]

@@idreamofjonny I agree. I love Gabi, but we definitely need more black GOTY characters. Only having one looks like they just did it to appease everyone and then moved on.

[@idreamofjonny]

Yeah, she’s a great doll but obviously was a last minute afterthought 😞

[@fatimaazam6108]

Great point Jonny,I also would luv 2 see AG release GOTY Beach doll's. I agreed w/ u jonny let's see a AG Doll w/ Red Hair,😊.Would luv to see that.Thankyou sooòoo much jonny ur Hair growing out a little look's good.Personally I luv ur hair as it was in the pic.w/ ur Doggo❤❤❤. Warmly, 💗 Lisa

[@clairewatkins1720]

I’d love to see a GOTY who is an avid reader and wants to be a writer! 😊

[@klhpensil21]

Yeah, with all of those journals and books, you'd think it would be a popular theme. I feel like they do have one who's a writer, but I can't remember who...

[@MamallamaAG]

I love your take on GOTY 2025. I also believe Summer’s face mold will be Marie Grace. I also hope they create a Daisy doll so that Summer has a best friend in doll form. This would then potentially open the door to them re-releasing the best friend dolls. This is something that AG collectors have been asking for, for years.

[@idreamofjonny]

Thanks! I still love the best friend dolls and wish they would bring them back

[@MamallamaAG]

@@idreamofjonny me too!

[@AndreaA127]

Also wanted to say with the price increase, i really hope they start to do better quality control no more of the crap of one eye being bigger than the other or one looking down or up etc.

[@idreamofjonny]

Agreed. The super asymmetrical eyes irk me so much 🤨

[@stephaniefriend9912]

that’s so true!! i ordered a mini molly doll from Courtney’s collection ., & one of her red ribbons were missing & also it said on website if u ordered courtney’s accessories u would receive a free hair tie, i could be wrong but that’s the way i read it

[@eliseelliot]

We may not get an official Daisy, but we may get a new TM that is a lookalike. In displays in the stores for previous GOTYs, they've sometimes used a TM to represent a girl from the GOTY book; there were two that they used to represent Kavi's friends, I remember, and the illustrations were an exact match. It's possible they have some TMs in development and shared those with the illustrator so they could base off a doll, or in reverse- they're prepping a TM now based off the illustration. It may not happen, but I'm crossing my fingers that we're getting a TM that looks like Daisy. If we do, I'll be buying her immediately!

[@Dolly_junkie]

I’m white, and Marisol Luna was my first AG doll at 9 years old. But I do see a lot of white kids with only white dolls. I’m watching a little girl this summer, and both she and her neighbor who she plays dolls with have only white AG dolls, mostly blonde hair, blue or green eyes 😖🧐 I think a lot of it is the parents influence on which doll the child picks. It definitely shows some implicit prejudice when you buy your child 6 or 7 dolls, at $100 each and none are a different ethnicity or skin color other than white…

[@scarletsavenger1367]

I would love to see Daisy! I might actually invest into that doll since I don’t have many dolls that aren’t white. I wanna diversify my collection.

[@sarahb9240]

I haven't finished watching yet, but, you said something that made me think that Summer could be Julie's grandchild. Julie walked dogs, Summer's theme is animals. Julie has that one braid, she has a braid. Just a thought. 🌼

[@idreamofjonny]

Oh that’s a good point! Makes much more sense. I do think they’re trying to weave in more lore from previous characters

[@Cool-eo1oe]

I agree with the farmer’s market table. That seems “realistic” for a kid entrepreneur. Plus if her friend Daisy is also a doll, they could both use the play set etc. other idea of the play set being related to “animal camp” (maybe it’s like 4-H, being in a city ours took place at the zoo 😂) though that might be too similar to the current girl of the year who’s at horse camp. Toward the end of the video: 👀 what if summer’s white dog is coconut?! If they brought back the accessories… it would be over for me.

[@NightwingAquaman]

I would love the anniversary doll to be a mash up of the historicals. And her line would include remakes of all the historical outfits that you can’t get for a reasonable price on the secondhand market.

[@maryooliss]

Great thoughts, Jonny! I would like to put this out there: girls don’t necessarily want a mini-me! When I was a girl, I loved Samantha because everything about her life and look was different from mine. I also remember idolizing beautiful black TV characters (Tia and Tamara, Laura from Family Matters…) for the same reason. Dolls play out fantasies, so they don’t need to mimic the girl’s look. If anything, girls relate to the personality. I bought Claudie for my niece (white, blond, blue) when she turned 8. I decided to give her a vintage rewigged Samantha instead because I thought she’d have more fun with the hair. When I showed her the Claudie I bought, she lost her mind and asked to pleeeeease take her home! I was really surprised. I asked if she would know how to take care of her hair, and she told me she’d use a pick to remove tangles and wet the curls around a rat-tail to set! My jaw hit the floor. The problem of white dolls selling better is 100% an adult problem, not a girl problem!

[@bubbles_mly6614]

I feel like my only hobby at age ten was loving animals LOL, so Summer’s theme is right up my ally! I’m not thrilled that she’s another blonde, BUT I love that she may have glasses! I also hope they make Daisy. It would be a good opportunity since ‘friendship’ seems to be an important part of her story! I think it’s interesting that Licorice is Daisy’s cat and not Summer’s… that seems like a “main character” moment to me and ANOTHER reason why they should make Daisy. Great video!

[@amysmuggleworld]

I saw a couple coconut images for summer . It says she has a dog and a cat I wonder if coconut will be her dog and licorice will be daisys cat so like best friend dolls best friend pets

[@alixmcknight]

First of all rescue dogs for the win!! I love that you support them. Secondly, I totally get girls wanting a doll that looks like them, but for me personally I have always been drawn to both characters in movies and dolls who were not white (even as a really young kid). It wasn’t like a deliberate decision or anything, it just naturally happened. I also realize that the adult collectors are probably more drawn to the Historical dolls than young girls, but they are the main ones I’m interested in (the only AG doll I have right now is Kaya). I wrote down a wish list the other day and almost all of them are girls of color. I guess my point is I hope they release Daisy because I really think girls need to see diversity from a young age because they might not be seeing that in their personal lives. I really hope non-white dolls preform better numbers so we can have more diversity in the future.

[@joannamcclelland5049]

Ooo, I'd love to see some sort of tribute to the historicals in the 2026 GOTY, that would be so fun!! 😍 Man, I have sooooo many ideas for GOTYs, a few of my top favorites, an architect with a connection to Habitat for Humanity, a book lover and aspiring writer, a Junior Forest Ranger with a connection to survival skills and the National Parks/ Forestry service, or CA. Dept. of Fire, and maybe even with indigenous ancestry! 😍 I really wish AG would branch out more from their safe storylines and characters, like they did with Luciana, that's one of the reasons I love her so much! She is so unique to any other GOTY and it's amazing what they did with her!! 😍 I really like the idea of GOTY 25 being an entrepreneur and interested in animal rescue, I'd love to see a little animal shelter with rescue animals. There was a bit of the story and an illustration that focused prominently on an animal shelter so maybe! 🤞And yes, I bet she'll have some sort of lemonade/farmer's market-like stand rather than a big store too. I reeeeeeally hope Daisy will be part of the collection as well, but like you, I'm not getting my hopes up, especially since AG is struggling with finances right now. 😥 It would be so fun if they brought the original Licorice and Coconut back, I love them!! I really hope they include more cats too, most AG pets are dogs, and while I love dogs, cats hold a special place in my heart and AG really doesn't have very many. 😕 Well, we'll see! 🤞

[@cesarionoexisto2848]

i totally get what you mean with how being called american girl/girl of the year locks them into certain things. if they weren't called *american* girl i think it could be beneficial - they could release maybe one or two dolls from places like the uk, germany, japan, france and then open a store in these places with two historical dolls from each country, goty (i dont think children will hugely notice that the goty are all from the usa) and the truely me line. it does baffle me that ag doesn't really try to move into these foreign markets that much (that i know of)

[@lefluerdolls]

I really hope we get Daisy because I'd love to see the "best friend" doll concept come back and I think she would be such a cute doll, I don't want to get too hopeful though. I've also noticed Licorice Twist has been on sale a lot recently so maybe they're planning to retire Licorice Twist and reintroduce Licorice as Summer's pet when she releases.

[@guiguiny]

i really hope Daisy is a surprise doll but i’m preparing myself for the worst

[@idreamofjonny]

I really want her too!

[@AndreaA127]

Man, i wish they would just bring back Marie-Grace, she was the most beautiful doll in my opinion!

[@idreamofjonny]

Collectors keep demanding her and Cécile on AG’s Instagram, so maybe one day? They weren’t for sale for that long so they might be nervous they won’t sell well

[@contentcastle]

Aren’t Kavi and the twins all Marie grace?

[@scarletsavenger1367]

1:13 2025* 😊

[@PinkWolf93]

I'm hoping one day they do a cyo line that you get to create your pet as a ag pet.

[@tinmanlover1994]

Maybe Addy's face mold with twists that would be nice

[@mandyandadamamericangirldo6204]

I would love to see the girl of the year does sports and athletic like football and softball also volleyball too also charity work to help families in need like homeless shelters We did so much theaters music and animal stuff and I think where it is time to switch it up a bit

[@CherishedDollFriends]

Thanks for the great video. I would love to see a Daisy companion doll but if it doesn’t happen I would probably make my own out of another character if I collected GOTY. Too bad this stuff got leaked so early. I wonder if they will change stuff now just to surprise us!

[@Badboydolls]

I used to work in the store they do have a lot of white parents with white kids who they will only buy white dolls for. Even when they borrowed dolls and all the white dolls were being used and there were only dolls of color left parents would be hesitant and or complain. I doubt we’ll be getting a doll of color that’s not an accessory/ bestfriend

[@Badboydolls]

If we do get a doll it will be Makena redressed since she isn’t selling well

[@klhpensil21]

I can't believe people are still like that (I mean do believe it, it's just sad). I mean, I think most kids want a doll that looks like them them for their first doll, but after that, if you're going to buy multiple dolls, why not beautify your collection by adding the diversity of the world?

[@ShelbyTeach07]

It would be so cool if a doll (GOTY) was Mollys grandchild or Samanthas great-grandaughter

[@sheripena8262]

Do you think AG is using stuff that may already be in your collection rather than make the "collection" just Summer.... ie the vet center, Licorice etc.... like OOOH a 2nd NEED for the vet center NOW because Summer uses it?

[@idreamofjonny]

I think they’re using GOTY to upsell those items. They probably don’t wanna retire items like Licorice, so they aren’t including them as part of the GOTY line

[@amysmuggleworld]

There are a couple truly me pets shown in summers story so I think a lot of the truly me items already available will be in her story/ collection just to make more sales

[@user-yt6bu6st9j]

Johnny for a girl of the year or even a special edition doll they don't sell or are the last to sell out. At least that is my perspective. However, cultural dolls are offered make no mistake and I think children and parents appreciate the variety in Truely Me line. I see them going that way to purchase so they do look like themselves. So as far as I am concerned American Girl has it covered. Again, just a perspective of a pediatric nurse practitioner/nurse and for 45 years . Thank you.

[@QNFirefly]

If Daisy has Claudie’s head mold I will end my thoughts that I will never buy a GOTY. Love that mold.

[@klhpensil21]

I hope they release a Daisy doll! Before the leaks I was really hoping for a girl of color or even a red head. I like how she has glasses, wears a sweatsuit, and it's obsessed with animals. I don't think they've done a character quite like that before (have they?). Have they really still not sold out of Corinne? She's one of my absolute favorites! I'm in love with her collection, too. Kavi is another of my favorites. These past two years have been awesome.

[@klhpensil21]

I would love to see a poor doll. I mean, Addy and Kirsten weren't wealthy or even middle class. Then we had some friend dolls like Gwen and Nelly. Am I missing any? But wouldn't it be refreshing to have a modern girl struggling in poverty?

[@kreskin0079]

​@@klhpensil21I hear what you're saying but it would be in bad taste to make a modern doll who's poor....as American girl would be profiting off of the poor girls in America who wouldn't even be able to afford the doll that looks like them.

[@klhpensil21]

​@kreskin0079 Hmm, good point! I realize that practically it doesn't makes sense. I would personally just find the stories of a less well-off kid to be much more relatable. Maybe just a girl who's not high middle class or upper class, to more accurately reflect life in the United States (though American Girl's main customers are amoungst the wealthy). I'm hoping from the leaks that Summer will be that. As a child my family barely scraped by financially, but I did get one American Girl doll for Christmas one year. I think my grandparents helped pay for it. I think that's actually a pretty common experience. I realize there are many children in our country who are worse off and never get that experience. I just want American Girl to truly represent American life. I'm really hoping for more characters with disabilities, and different family situations, too.

[@kreskin0079]

@@klhpensil21 I feel the same way. I can more easily relate to the stories of those who grew up poor. And I would love to see an AG doll with a disability like autism. I don't think there is one. My family couldn't afford an American girl doll for me and I actually just got Molly for Christmas last year from my spouse. That was a very healing experience for my inner child.

[@klhpensil21]

​​@kreskin0079 Yes, I'm sure! I'm glad you finally got your doll. ❤ An autistic American Girl would be awesome. I would love that, too. Also a character who's in a wheelchair. And why haven't they made an American Girl down syndrome face moulde yet? Of course these things need to be done with sensitivity and real people with disabilities need to be involved in creating the story. On a similar note, I know this might be really controversial, too... it should also be done with sensitivity, but what about an actual character who's battling cancer? Sorry, tangent. There are just a lot of children in our country who aren't represented yet. American Girl has so many options.

[@CianneDoodles]

They should totally bring out Both dolls at Launch day. Both, like they did with the twins. It can be done. Make it so!

[@QNFirefly]

You are so funny 😁. I love your vido.

[@fatimaazam6108]

👋 jonny,when r u putting/ getting ur white ❤ bookcases 4 ur Collection?:)😊.Thankyou 4 sharing.Luv ur video's 🤗✌🏽. Can u make a video in Samantha's table set,chair's, Birthday outfit,Lemonaide set and everything that goes w/ that particular set.Reason is I'm hoping yo find it all 4 my collection.Also what is a Good place ex: E-Bay,Macari,FB Market place etc. For shopping 4 AG PC stuff.Thankyou😉❤❤❤ Warmly, ❤Lisa

[@suzannegoodwin4308]

Hope for Daisy 😊

[@heatherseib8875]

Still waiting for a classic face mold brown hair brown eye Girl Of The Year. Yes, I know they have Joss Kendrick, but they had to give her her own face mold.

[@OxChiquitaXo]

Sounds like they just keep repeating the same boring dolls 🥱

[@idreamofjonny]

Hopefully next year will be something more unique, but we’ll see 🤔 i still think she sounds like she’ll be a good doll

[@OxChiquitaXo]

@@idreamofjonny hope so, I’d love more variety and uniqueness

[@mikad9610]

ive been so uninterested in goty/AG as a whole since kira ... i think that was her name at least?

[@megancornelius3840]

Nothing says America like child labor.

[@jamesbosslet994]

Does anyone think the dolls hair will be red or some version of red, like strawberry blond. With the pink highlights. I would like to see a doll of the year with red hair!

[@kellywalker9811]

We already have seen leaked photos, the doll is blonde. That isn’t even a guess, it’s a certainty.

[@jamesbosslet994]

@@kellywalker9811 ok thanks, i did not know that! where can one find the leaked photo! the book photo hair color looks more red to me!

[@fatimaazam6108]

👋 jonny,i like you growing out ur hai a bit.You look so Good💓😁

[@TotallyDolls]

LOL, for some reason I hardly felt Lila's presence. They are not really taking the time to make their GOTY really interesting.

[@rebeccatrushenski5506]

We’ve never had a GOTY with blonde hair and blue eyes.

[@Dolly_junkie]

Nicki??

[@rebeccatrushenski5506]

@@Dolly_junkie her hair is considered “caramel” or light brown actually

[@Dolly_junkie]

@@rebeccatrushenski5506 it looks blonde to me 😅

[@rebeccatrushenski5506]

@@Dolly_junkie no it definitely does look blonde, I’m just going off the official wig color lol