American Girl Celebrates Inclusion with American Girl of the Year, Joss Kendrick

In the past two weeks, B has had quite the change happen. She went from not wearing glasses, to having to wear them and a patch for an hour every day. She’s taken to it really well and in fact, I’d say she’s excited about her glasses. She even picked out her frames by herself (with some coaching). The transition has been eased by so many people complimenting and encouraging her. It’s also helped that American Girl of the Year Joss Kendrick arrived at our house. 

Thanks to American Girl for sending the Joss doll!

2020 Girl of the Year™, Joss Kendrick.™ Joss — a fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer — joins American Girl’s lineup of inspirational characters who impart meaningful life lessons to help girls learn and grow with confidence. Whether she’s on her surfboard or in the gym, Joss shows girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes, and being a good team player.

To assist with hearing in her right ear (as she’s completely deaf in her left ear), Joss wears a hearing aid. B and E were both very interested in what it did and how it helps Joss with her hearing. 

We had a conversation about Joss’s hearing aid and how it helps her to hear better and B’s glasses and eye patch and how it will help her eyes get stronger and to see better.  It was great to see that she was able to make the connection between them. 

Almost immediately, E went and got out another American Girl doll, Blaire Wilson to introduce the two girls and play with them. E also was very excited to read Joss’s full history and story in the book that came with her. 

At first, B was confused to find an “extra pair” of underpants in the package with Joss. But, she quickly realized, it wasn’t extra, it was for when she wanted to take off Joss’s swimsuit. She is a surfer, after all and ready to go surfing at any time!

B was bummed she didn’t come with a surfboard, but that’s an available accessory, so we might have to pick one up for her next birthday!

Joss comes to life through a beautiful 18-inch doll with long brown hair and brown eyes. She arrives wearing a swimsuit, hoodie, and shorts, plus a removable hearing aid in her right ear. Other Joss products include a surfboard and swim gear, cheer outfits and equipment—including a cheer backpack, slides, and competition shoes in partnership with Nfinity ® —and her talented English bulldog, Murph the Surf Dog.

A little more about Joss and American Girl:

Girls can tune into a weekly online series, “Meet Joss,” plus view Joss-inspired music videos, DIY crafts, doll hair features, and other videos throughout the year on the brand’s popular YouTube Kids Channel.

A dedicated Joss play site offers girls free book excerpts, games and quizzes, wallpaper, and much more.

In honor of Joss, American Girl is proud to partner with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the nation’s leading nonprofit representing people with hearing loss, with a $25,000
donation to support the organization’s education and awareness programs. American Girl is also supporting HLAA’s 2020 Walk4Hearing. Celebrating its 15 th year, the Walk4Hearing brings families together across the US to encourage hearing health and living well with hearing loss. And, from January 1, 2020 through the end of the year, the company will collect donations for HLAA at americangirl.com and at American Girl stores nationwide.