McKenna Brooks: American Girl of the Year 2012

Her first name, McKenna, was announced on the American Girl Cruise in November. Early on we found out she was a ten year old gymnast in 4th grade living in Seattle, WA.

We've got a sneak peek of both the first book cover and the McKenna 18" doll. The doll will have light skin, caramel-colored hair, and blue eyes. It looks like they've used the Josefina face mold.

There are two books which just came out December 27, 2011 written by Mary Casanova. Both of their synopses have been posted below. We've now gotten to see the second book cover as well. There is also a third book: Take the Challenge!.

We also know for sure that there is a movie coming out sometime in 2012. Although it doesn't have a title yet, info can already be found on the Internet Movie Database. I've posted some of the main characters below. I'd been watching the page everyday, and that's how I've found her last name. It was finally posted. McKenna Brooks!

We were all dying to find out everything there is to know about McKenna and the wait is finally over. :)

"Ten-year-old McKenna is ready to start fourth grade, but when she begins to fall behind in school, McKenna's teacher suggests she should get help from a tutor and with encouragement from Josie, a confident girl in a wheelchair, McKenna manages to regain confidence in her abilities."

"After McKenna suffers an injury that causes her to worry about her place on the Shooting Star competitive gymnastics team, she tries to help her tutor, Josie, overcome her fear of horseback riding, but as McKenna and Josie become closer friends, one of McKenna's teammates gets jealous of their close friendship."

An American Girl activity book.

Crazy challenges and silly thrills to explore your talents and everyday skills.

Take the Challenge! at Barnes & Noble.

You get the 18" McKenna doll in her sporty striped dress, teal stretch leggings, purple cotton underwear, a hairband, and slide-on shoes. Also includes the McKenna paperback book, McKenna's Accessories, McKenna's Practice Wardrobe, and an exclusive Warm-Up Outfit.

• A loft bed with an attached ladder and hooks for hanging clothes
• A soft purple mattress and two plump pillows create a cozy place to dream
• A reversible quilt- solid purple on one side, star print on the other
• A purple metal chair with a green cushioned seat
• A clock
• A lamp
• An achievement certificate, starry trophy, and three gymnastics ribbons
• Her hamster named Polka Dot, a clear cage, water bottle, an exercise wheel, and treat bowl
• Three pencils and a lined pad of paper
• Confidence boosters: a letter from her mom, an encouragement mirror from a friend, and a heart note that says "Never give up!"
• A bumper sticker that says "I love gymnastics" and a gymnastics poster
• Three mini hardcover books McKenna uses to practice her reading skills: Harry the Dirty Dog, Judy Moody, and Charlotte's Web
• A shaggy green rug and a floor pillow for Cooper, McKenna's pet goldendoodle
• Stickers to decorate the loft bed

Furniture & Accessories
McKenna's Beam & Bar
McKenna's Cast & Crutches
McKenna's Dog

Doll Clothing
McKenna's Rain Gear
McKenna's Pajamas
McKenna's Fancy Outfit
McKenna's School Outfit

Matching Girls Clothing
McKenna's Dress & Leggings for Girls
Pajamas & Slippers for Girls

Jade Pettyjohn as McKenna Brooks
Kerris Dorsey as Josie, McKenna's tutor and friend
Nia Vardalos as McKenna's Mom
Ian Ziering as McKenna's Dad
Will Woytowich as Cowboy Bob
Ysa Penarejo as ?
Kally Berard as ?

McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012) on IMDB.

Girl of the Year 2012 Debut
Free event. January 1st & 2nd at all 11 AG stores.
Demonstrations, crafts, giveaways, and more.

Girl of the Year 2012 Celebration
Ticket prices, dates, and times vary by store.
Includes a meal, activities, and an American Girl book.

Girl of the Year 2012 "Take the Challenge" Scavenger Hunt
Free event. Dates, and times vary by store.
Go on a scavenger hunt throughout the store and get a free American Girl poster.

Girl of the Year 2012 Mirror Craft
Free event. Dates, and times vary by store.
Decorate a paper mirror with positive messages to find your strengths.

Girl of the Year 2012 Crafts
Free event. Dates, and times vary by store.
Make crafts inspired by the stories of the newest contemporary character.

Girl of the Year Bracelet Craft

Free event. Dates, and times vary by store.
Create a paper bracelet to fill with personal goals and encouraging words.

Meet the Author: Mary Casanova

Free event. Dates, and times vary by store.
Meet Mary Casanova and have your favorite books signed.

American Girl Lunch with Author Mary Casanova
January 16 @ 11:00 am in Minneapolis. $27 per person.
Mary Casanova will share the secrets of her writing process and explain how she created the stories of the Girl of the Year 2012.

American Girl Dinner with Author Mary Casanova
February 25 @ 5:30 pm in Boston. $27 per person.
March 3 @ 5:30 pm in Dallas. $27 per person.
Mary Casanova will share the secrets of her writing process and explain how she created the stories of the Girl of the Year 2012.

Full write-ups of these events, dates, times, locations, and ticket prices can be found at americangirl.com.