Check out these articles and podcasts featuring Addy!
Addy in the News
SLATE: The Making of an American Girl
In 1993, the doll company set out to introduce its first black character. All she had to do was represent the entire history of black America.
BY AISHA HARRIS; September 21, 2016
THE PARIS REVIEW: Addy Walker, American Girl
The role of black dolls in American culture.
BY BRIT BENNETT; May 28, 2015
HELLOGIGGLES: My complicated childhood love for Addy Walker, the first Black American Girl doll
Here, an HG contributor reflects on the thorny significance of Addy Walker, the first Black doll introduced by the American Girl company.
By VANESSA WILLOUGHBY; February 25, 2019
34TH STREET: Addy Walker and the History of Black Dolls in America
Representation in the doll industry is more powerful than ever.
BY JESSA GLASSMAN; March 14, 2021
SALON: We were American Girls: What Addy taught me about Black hair, freedom and myself
The white American Girl dolls' fights for freedom were figurative. Addy's fight was literal
By ASHLEÉ CLARK; May 15, 2021
AMERICAN GIRL FAN CLUB: Introducing Claudie Wells
In this special episode, Sydney Paulsen and Kristen Washington introduce the newest American Girl Historical Character: Claudie Wells! They are joined by Brit Bennett, the author of the Claudie books, and Connie Porter, the author of the American Girl Addy books.
BY SYDNEY PAULSEN AND KRISTEN WASHINGTON; March 14, 2021
THESE BOOKS MADE ME: American Girl - Addy
On we trek through the American Girls canon as we journey through Addy Walker's world.
By THESE BOOKS MADE ME; October 7, 2021
ICYMI: American Girl’s Addy Is More Than a Slave
It seems like every six months another person brings this discourse back online.
BY RACHELLE HAMPTON; January 25, 2023
WPR: Addy Walker: A Story Of Sensitive Histories, Representation
Newest Black American Girl Doll, Melody, Sparks Look Back At Addy's Debut
BY WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO; October 17, 2016
WPR: American Girl Addy Walker's Place In History And Representation
In 1986, American Girl hit the toy scene, pairing dolls from different historical eras with books detailing their place in time. But for African-American children wishing to purchase an American Girl doll, for years they only had one option: Addy Walker, whose story follows her as a slave who escapes to freedom. We'll speak with Aisha Harris of Slate who explains why this is significant and how the company is diversifying its dolls.
BY WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO; October 17, 2016