American Girl

American Girl. American Girl: Middleton, Wisconsin, 2010.
In publication since 1993.

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Review

The message and mission of American Girl magazine is, “You’re great, just the way you are!” Which may make some tweens roll their eyes, but is exactly what some tween girls are looking for in this world of peer pressure and the cultural pressure of never being good enough. The magazine began in 1992 and is published by American Girl, LLC who also publish the American Girl book series and make the American Girl dolls and accessories. The magazine features “Help!” and “Heart to Heart” where girls can write in with problems they are facing or advice they can give to fellow readers. There are crafts in every issue as well as recipes, fiction, nonfiction, and feature articles in most issues. Each issue has a color scheme of complimentary pastels, and the cover models are meant to be representations of everyday girls who are not famous and who are from diverse backgrounds. This publication is a great ‘next step’ after a fan of the American Girl book series has outgrown her dolls and is looking for a more mature publication, like a magazine, to call her own.

Target Age

Ages 8 to 12

Monthly Features

  • Shinning Star
  • Buzzword
  • Help!
  • Friendship Matters
  • You Said It!

Awards

• 2008 Parents' Choice Recommended Award
• 2007 National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors Award
• 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award
• 2004, 2005, 2006 Parents’ Choice Silver Awards
• 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Parents’ Choice Gold Awards
• 2002 Folio Magazine Gold Award