American Girl’s ‘Girl of the Year’ for 2021 is from Michigan

She's nurturing, inquisitive, and loves wildlife...and she's from Michigan.

Meet Kira Bailey, American Girl's 'Girl of the Year' for 2021. Although she is visiting her great-aunts at their wildlife sanctuary and vet clinic in Queensland, Australia, this adorable 10 year old is from Michigan.

American Girl introduced the new doll last week with hopes that her "mission" will inspire others to care more about wildlife and our environment as well as climate change.

“As American Girl kicks off its 35th year, Kira joins our lineup of diverse and purposeful characters who star in stories that reflect the realities of the times—whether it’s historical or modern-day,” said  Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. in a press release.  “As we all witnessed the bushfires rage in Australia last year and start up again this September, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States, we knew it was important to focus Kira’s story on the major conservation and climate challenges facing our planet today—causes that are extremely important to today’s youth. Through Kira, we hope our fans will learn that we all have a part to play in taking positive action for our planet.”

Kira's adventures take off with a two-book series finding Kira excited to leave her home in Michigan to spend her summer abroad at her great-aunts’ Mamie and Lynette’s wildlife sanctuary and vet clinic in Queensland, Australia. There she learns to care for injured and orphaned animals with her new friend Alexis. She also looks after an orphaned koala joey and faces a bushfire that's threatening her great-aunts' wildlife sanctuary in Australia.

Along with the debut of Kira,  American Girl also announced a partnership with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc. (WIRES), which is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization. The organization is dedicated to rescuing and caring for the sick, injured and orphaned animals. From now through December 30, 2021, American Girl will match customer donations to WIRES dollar for dollar up to $25,000.

If you are looking to add Kira to your collection, the doll & book will run you about $110. Kira has a wide range of accessories to purchase from a platform tent to clothes ranging from $25-$225. You can check our Kira on the American Girl website.