A new American Girl doll debuts
American Girl's latest Historical Character to debut this summer is Melody Ellison. She is a nine-year-old growing up in Detroit during the 1960s Civil Rights era.
Masterminds behind Melody
CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan interviews Melody's head designer, Heather Northrop, in the American Doll design studio. Northrop and her team worked with an advisory board to bring Melody's story to life, designing every detail, from her clothes to her furniture. The six-panel advisory board was comprised of historians and educators, including the late civil rights activist, Julian Bond.
Creating the perfect doll
Prototypes for Melody testing different hair texture and outfits. Head designer Heather Northrop says she consulted with the advisory board several times to choose the right hair texture.
Bringing Melody to life
Melody prototypes and storyboards of different furniture and outfits.
Melody's outfits
Storyboards of different fabrics used to create Melody's outfits that were time-sensitive to the 1960s Civil Rights era.
Melody's hobby
Melody loves to sing and is also a member of her church choir. She comes with her own recording studio, paying homage to Motown. The Motor City label allowed American Girl to use some of its vintage tunes.
Melody's bedroom
Storyboard of Melody's bedroom, with posters from marches of the Civil Rights era.
Melody's playtime
Melody's picnic table with a working bingo set to play with her friends.
Photo shoot
Behind the scenes of Melody's photoshoot for her catalog launch.
Photo shoot
Behind the scenes of Melody's photoshoot for her catalog launch.
Doll Empire
The lobby of American Girl headquarters in Middleton, Wis.
American Girl Library
The research library at the American Girl headquarters in Middleton, Wis. It is home to thousands of books to guide research for the authenticity of their collection of historic dolls.
Girl of the Year
Each year, American Girl introduces a new doll to its Girl of the Year collection. Each doll comes with her own special story which seeks to "instill a sense of pride in girls and show them there is no limit to what they can accomplish."
Girl of the Year 2015
Girl of the Year 2015 Grace Thomas (far left) is an avid baker who is inspired to follow her dream of starting a baking business after a trip to Paris.
Kaya
Kaya is the only Native American Historical Character of American Girls. She is a member of the Nez Percé tribe living in the 1700s.
Historical Characters
Storyboards for American Dolls' Historical Characters: Kaya and Josefina (top left to right), and Rebecca and Kit (bottom left to right).
For more info: