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Teasing. Taunting. Being mean. No matter what you call it, it’s bullying and millions of girls are affected by it every day. Whether bullying is verbal, physical, or emotional, studies show that it’s on the rise and can lead to lower grades, eating issues, depression, and plenty of heartache for girls. To bring awareness to the devastating effects of bullying and to give girls the skills to stand strong and speak out against it, American Girl is proud to introduce Chrissa™, 2009 Girl of the Year®. A friendly, creative girl who finds the courage to stand up for herself and for others, Chrissa will launch on January 1 with two books, an 18-inch Chrissa doll, accessories, and two 18-inch friend dolls. And for the first time ever, American Girl will launch its new Girl of the Year with a feature film, An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong, available on DVD from HBO Home Entertainment on January 6, 2009.

Available for only one year, Chrissa is the seventh in a series of Girl of the Year contemporary characters whose interests and concerns reflect those of girls today. Like past Girl of the Year topics, the subject of relational aggression was chosen based on thousands of letters and e-mails from girls looking for guidance when faced with bullying at school, on the playing fields, and in their relationships. American Girl experts teamed up with other authorities and organizations such as The Ophelia Project®, a nonprofit that serves youth and adults affected by relational aggression, to help teach girls how to handle bullying in a positive way.

In addition to the new Chrissa books, products, and full-length film, American Girl is also introducing a nonfiction advice book, Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way, to give girls the confidence and know-how to deal with bullying when it arises. Written by Patti Criswell, clinical social worker and American Girl consultant, Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends is full of girl-friendly tips and quizzes and provides advice from girls who have dealt first-hand with bullying. Added bonuses include an inspirational pledge that girls can cut out and sign, plus a pull-out mini book with tips for parents.

About Chrissa

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Written by award-winning author Mary Casanova, the 2009 Girl of the Year books—Chrissa and Chrissa Stands Strong—introduce readers to ten-year-old Chrissa Maxwell. On her very first day at a new school, Chrissa attempts to make friends but is greeted at first with icy silence from the girls she sits with in Cluster Four. Then, when teasing and pranks turn into serious bullying, Chrissa must find the courage to stand strong and speak out. A section at the back of each book includes letters from real girls who, like Chrissa, have dealt with or witnessed bullying, and gives readers advice on how to handle challenging people in their lives. Each book also includes discussion questions to spark conversations and encourage girls to stand up for themselves and one another.

A beautiful 18-inch Chrissa doll—featuring highlighted dark-brown hair and blue eyes—brings the new character to life for girls. And, for the first time, the new Girl of the Year character will come with two 18-inch friend dolls, Gwen and Sonali, both of whom play prominent roles in the Chrissa books and feature film. Other accessories that reflect Chrissa’s unique interests include a warm-up set and swim-team gear, a sundress for the lakeside party she hosts, and pajamas and a craft studio for relaxing and being creative at home. In addition, Dress Like Your Doll® outfits and a closed-network instant-messaging system are also available.

For more details visit the Official American Girl web site

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