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the time, place and social background of the character. Each doll comes with a set of books. The books teach their readers lessons about "doing good for others". In the back of every book, there's the Looking Back section that tells us about the historical period the characters lived in. The birthday stories tell us about childhood and growing up, etc. The books and the dolls bring history alive for millions of children.
In 2006, the company was celebrating its 20th anniversary. They have learned that many young women do not only still have their original dolls but they have also kept each character's lessons of love, friendship and courage. Here is what one of them is saying.
Nicole M.: I remember when and how I was first introduced to American Girl. It was the summer before first grade and my best friend read the first chapter of Meet Samantha to me. I visited our school library almost daily and quickly read all the books. My favourite character was Felicity. I wanted to have her courage. When I was 11, the ONLY thing I asked for at Christmas was a Felicity doll. My parents kept telling me I was too old for dolls, but I didn't hear. You cannot imagine the joy I felt on Christmas morning that year, when I tore the paper off a long box and saw my dream come true. Thanks to American Girl I took interest in history and became a school history teacher. I still have my books and I also use some of the stories in my classroom! American Girl taught me to be independent and to stand up for what I believe in. I learned that what you look like is not as important as inner beauty and doing good for others. After all, "Actions speak louder than words".
1. Is it important to have a role model1?
2. Do you have a role model? Who is it? Why is he/she your role model?
3. Can a book character become a role model? Does anyone in your group have a role model who is a book character?
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