ENTERTAINMENT

Weekend of free events at American Girl marks new doll's debut

American Girl's much-anticipated Melody Ellison doll has finally hit shelves, bringing American history to life.

Wendy Killeen

The Republic | azcentral.com

American Girl's BeForever Melody doll and accompanying book, "No Ordinary Sound."

It's finally here.

American Girl fans can finally get their hands on the company's newest doll, starting Thursday. And to celebrate, the Scottsdale store has planned a weekend of free events for the entire family.

American Girl introduced Melody Ellison, the newest doll in their BeForever series, in February.

Melody is part of a 30th anniversary edition that aims to educate young girls about the civil rights era. She's a 9-year-old girl who loves singing and lives in 1960s Detroit, a time of great importance for the African-American community.

To kick off Melody's arrival, American Girl's Scottsdale Quarter location will host a weekend of events, Aug. 26-28. From the moment they arrive, visitors will be immersed in the 1960s. The store will be decked out in '60s decor and music from the era will be playing. Children age 8 or older can enjoy crafts and take home a doll T-shirt inspired by Melody (while supplies last). The T-shirt will fit any 18-inch American Girl doll. A bistro on-site serves food, but it's small; reservations are recommended.

According to the American Girl website, Melody's story brings together Motown music and civil rights history. The doll also aims to connect girls with the past.

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"We do approach every character very thoughtfully so this isn't something we rush into. We're not looking to address critical demand – we're looking to tell stories in the most authentic and genuine way that we possibly can," American Girl's vice president of marketing Julia Proshaka told CBS News.

Melody is the third black doll in the BeForever line, which features dolls from different eras and looks at how their time period shaped their opportunities. Melody's book "No Ordinary Sound" ($9.99) has been available since the February announcement along with a bed and a wooden recording studio. An entire Melody product collection is now available, including the Melody doll, a 3-book boxed set of books by author Denise Lewis Patrick, and companion products, which will be available at American Girl Scottsdale and online at americangirl.com beginning Thursday, Aug. 25.

Additional companion products (also available Aug. 25) that pair with Melody include a block-party set featuring a bottle of Vernor's ginger ale and an adorable furry companion, Bo (short for Bojangles; $22). He's "a cute, scruffy black-and-white dog with one bent ear. He has a warm embroidered face and a blue collar with a bow that unfolds to become a leash," according to the website.

Melody's Summer Block Party events

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27; noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.

Where: American Girl store at the Scottsdale Quarter; Scottsdale Road and Greenway-Hayden Loop.

Admission: Free; $115 for the 18-inch Melody Ellison doll.

Details: americangirl.com.

How to get Melody

The doll sells for $115, and comes with a three-color houndstooth sleeveless dress, a matching headband, blue patent shoes, white socks and undergarments along with the paperback book, "No Ordinary Sound."

After Aug. 25, the doll will be available in store, online at americangirl.com or by phone at 800-845-0005.

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Kristen Jordan Shamus, Ginger Rough and Kayla Samoy contributed to this story.