Meet American Girl Doll of the Year 2020: Joss Kendrick

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When the new year comes around there is something extra special that kids look forward to. I’m talking about the American Girl Doll of the Year.

2020’s doll of the year is extra special and you’ll soon see why. Read on to learn more about Joss Kendrick and why she holds a special place in our heart and the hearts of so many (and see all the fun we had at the Dallas store).

Meet American Girl Doll of the Year 2020

While American Girl dolls vary from historical dolls (like Kit and Samantha) to Truly Me dolls and Create Your Own dolls (which can be designed to resemble the girl in your life), we have made a place in our home for a very special type of doll – the American Girl of the Year dolls. These are dolls which are introduced at the first of each year and are only sold that particular year before they are retired. Because of that unique one year time to purchase, these dolls have become quite popular.

(Affiliate links in post where I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.)

Introducing Joss Kendrick – 2020 Doll of the Year.

Joss Kendrick

Here’s what there is to know about this year’s doll:

Joss Kendrick is a fierce surfer girl who never backs down from a challenge—even if it means taking a chance on something new, like trying out for cheer. But landing a spot on the cheer team is harder than it looks: Joss is hard of hearing, and often misses the count. She’s determined to prove herself as a cheerleader and a surfer girl and realizes that an all-in attitude and an open mind might help her fly higher than ever before.

Hearing Disability

Each year’s doll stands apart with many qualities. From where they live to what their hobbies are, children are drawn to the dolls. This year’s doll, Joss, is extra special as she has a hearing disability. That pulls at my heartstrings more than a little bit because I can clearly remember when my newborn daughter could not pass the hearing tests at the hospital. Though we ultimately learned there was no hearing loss, it was something we were concerned about for months.

I have loved watching American Girl address many disabilities over the years. Seeing things like wheelchairs and diabetes care kits for dolls added to the accessories which can be bought for a doll is something that sets this brand apart. For a child to see a doll which has a disability the same as they do is something special. Well done, American Girl!

With this year’s doll having a hearing disability, American Girl has gone the extra mile and is donating $25,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and inviting us all to join in too (in stores and online).

Joss and Accessories

Joss is 18 inches and has brown eyes and long layered brown hair with highlights. A visit to the Dallas store (or browsing online) saw a ton of fun accessories to match her storyline in the books. Oh yes, we LOVE American Girl books based on the dolls.

Outfits include a zip-up hoodie top, a pink print swimsuit, flip-flop sandals, and cheerleading outfit too.
Her hearing aid comes with a carrying case and a brush to keep the sand out of it (plus a backup hearing aid).
Pets available include a Sea Lion Pup and a Bulldog with life vest.
Playsets include a surfboard and cheer practice equipment.
*HOT* Later this Spring, you’ll see the release of a Volkswagen Surf Bus!!!
Check out all accessories here.

So far there have been two paperback books released which tell Joss’s story.

American Girl Store Experience – Dallas

Head to your local American Girl store to see all they have to offer. You won’t be disappointed. If you don’t happen to have one near you, remember to check anytime you are visiting a new city. Our Dallas store not only is two-stories of shopping fun, but there’s a bistro as well where we’ve been known to enjoy afternoon tea.

The Dallas store has an entire section near the entrance for all things American Girl of the Year Doll!

Not only are there plenty of accessories and outfits for the doll, but you can find matching outfits for the girls in your life. Pajamas. Dress up clothes. You name it, they have it. It’s extra fun to dress up like your doll!