American Girl's 2023 Doll of the Year calls Metuchen her hometown
METUCHEN - Small but mighty.
That could be both a description of the 2.85 square mile borough encircled by Edison and the borough's new home girl − Kavi Sharma.
American Girl revealed its 2023 "Girl of the Year" as Kavi − a 12-year-old Jersey Girl who hails from the "Brainy Borough." As part of her story, Kavi lives with her close-knit Indian American family in the borough − a train ride from her favorite place in the world − Broadway. The 18-inch doll is available online and at American Girl stores nationwide.
"We are so excited that American Girl chose Metuchen," said Mayor Jonathan Busch. "Our borough is a diverse, vibrant community with residents and programming that reflect the world around us. Kavi is a welcome addition to the 'Brainy Borough' and we can't wait for the children in our community to share her and their Metuchen stories with the rest of the country."
Proud that Kavi is a Jersey Girl and a hometown gal at that, the borough is planning a year of the girl for their "Girl of the Year."
According to Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA) Executive Director Dawn Mackey, "some wonderful and big events" are in store to celebrate Kavi and her culture.
The Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA) kicked off the New Year by hosting a party − complete with confetti cannons and a ball drop − on Dec. 30 at Metuchen Town Plaza and welcomed Kavi to the community with special performers including Bollywood dancers and a Dhol drummers performance.
The MDA is planning a year of events such as a town-wide tea party, Bollywood block party and more, Mackey said.
Kavi − pronounced KUH-vee and short for Kavika − is American Girl’s first-ever South Asian “Girl of the Year” character.
With big brown eyes and layered dark-brown hair styled in a half ponytail, Kavi joins American Girl's line of characters, introduced more than 20 years ago, that represent a range of backgrounds to reflect what it means to be an American girl.
According to American Girl, through Kavi young readers will learn the importance of finding a healthy rhythm in life and feel inspired to pursue their own dreams.
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"Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are," said Jamie Cygielman, general manager of American Girl, a subsidiary of Mattel.
Written by author Varsha Bajaj, Kavi’s story − "It's Showtime, Kavi" − inspires kids to share their talents, pursue new interests and take pride in who they are – just as Kavi and her family honor their Indian/Hindu heritage.
"Kavi’s story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented," Bajaj said. "I tookimmense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi."
Kavi has a passion for performing, whether it’s playing piano, dancing, or singing and she is excited to see her first Broadway show − Wicked − for her 12th birthday. While Kavi shines onstage, keeping up with her offstage priorities like schoolwork, friendships, and family responsibilities can be a challenge — just like it is for so many kids.
Kavi’s story is shared in both an illustrated paperback journal that comes with the 18-inch doll and the hardcover novel debuting later in 2023. Accessories, such as a keyboard, DJ headphones, a backstage set and a Bollywood dance costume, are available as is Kavi's dog, Scamper.
Viewers can watch Kavi-inspired videos on both American Girl’s YouTube and YouTube Kids Channels, including a six-episode Kavi animated series, plus a music video, and other Kavi-inspired digital and social content throughout the year. On the American Girl's Virtual Museum experience, doll fans can tour Kavi’s room, play games and learn more about each American Girl character.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: American Girl's 2023 Doll of the Year belongs to the 'Brainy Borough'
