How A Single Tweet Led To The Conception Of The Newest American Girl Doll

Samantha, Addy, Molly, Felicity, Kit, and now, Claudie. The newest historical fictional character for American Girl Doll has a fascinating backstory, to say the least. In September 2020, The New York Times bestselling author Brit Bennett tweeted, "Give us a Black American Girl doll set in the 90s and please let me write it."

Nearly two years later, that fleeting post has turned into a reality. American Girl took the "The Vanishing Half" author up on the idea, introducing her to the author of the beloved Addy Walker doll, Connie Porter, to help shape and craft the story for Claudie Wells. Though Bennett's original tweet offered a 1990s era for the doll, Claudie hails from the Harlem Renaissance period, a time where Black artists flourished as a result of the Great Migration.

The Claudie doll comes with Bennett's accompanied text "Meet Claudie" and other associated items for purchase. Claudie's launch to the public also comes with excitement expressed via social media, specifically TikTok and Twitter. One user wrote, "Black girl growing up during the Harlem renaissance?? 1920s fashion??? she has a little doggie and a scooter?? HER NAME IS CLAUDIE???? you hit it out of the park with this one American girl i love you."