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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Enjoy the cool games; hide the credit cards.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Some puzzles and games require critical thinking; others teach facts about geography and history.

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Friendly readers give helpful advice in the "Girls Speak Out" section; volunteering is encouraged. Also teaches an 8-year-old how to "treat her skin right."
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The American Girl store, magazine, movies, and other products dominate.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of AmericanGirl was written by Susan Yudt

Parents need to know that the American Girl brand extends far and wide -- beyond dolls and books into clothing, fragrance, and more. Much of the merch sold on the site is quite expensive, and some of it feeds into beauty industry hype, junior division. If parents ignore the store and skip to the activities, they'll find games and puzzles that are lively and educational, with kid-safe images and messages.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the American Girl product empire. Can you enjoy the books and the site without buying the dolls or accessories? Families can also talk about the different historical characters. Who's your favorite character, and why?
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More on AmericanGirl

What’s the Story?

Each historical character and contemporary "Girl of the Year" has her own page, complete with wallpaper, book excerpts, and more. "A Doll's Journey" takes users around the world, from Hawaii to Singapore, offering e-cards and fun facts about each location. Critter lovers will enjoy a special section dedicated to Coconut (arf!) and Licorice (mrow!). Some games are simple and require little reading, like "Snowboard Betty," in which users collect stars and avoid tree stumps as they zigzag down a mountain. Others, like "The Mystery of the True Heart," have complex instructions and involve critical thinking. An intricate musical score adds to the depth of detail in these games.

Is It Any Good?

American Girl encourages girls "to stand tall, reach high, and dream big." Not to mention "shop hard" -- four of the five main sections of AMERICANGIRL.COM are dedicated to pushing product. Fortunately, the "Fun for Girls" section -- a collection of beautifully illustrated games, puzzles, and other interactive features -- saves the site from being an endless marketing loop.

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Our Members Say

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See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • User content isn't age appropriate
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue

  2. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • User content is age appropriate

    Great Website!

    A fun website GIRLS ONLY will enjoy.I love there games and they have nice products for sale. I have two A.G dolls (Addy and a JLY doll) and I've read almost all there books. great site for girls.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue

    LOVE IT

    LOVE IT

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • User content is age appropriate

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title pause for age 7 and give it 3.0

    Fun if you think about it

    There is fun games. You can see pictures of girls and there american girl dolls. You can learn something. There is even a place where you can ask questions and girls answer your problems. It's fun if you only think about the games. But if you think of everything on it, it is only okay.

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    It's the BEST website I have ever been on for years!!!

    I absloutly ADORE American Girl!!! I have seen Kit Kittredge 5 times in a row, I have read all the Kaya books and all the Molly books, 2 of the Felicity books, and 3 of the Samantha books. I go on the website as often as I can. IT IS THE BEST!!! I think it is wonderful for ages 6+. Have fun!!!

  7. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Arkansas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I LOVE AMERICANGIRL!!!!!!!!!!! its the best! when im older and have a daughter im gonna let her 0on it. i olso have 5 dolls! im gonna give them to my daughter ( if i have one)!!

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Great site for young girls

    My daughter is a HUGE American Girl fan. She has several dolls and many of the books. She has even seen the few movies they have made. While I feel that much of what AG does is designed to sell overpriced dolls I do not fault them for that. The site, books, and stories have helped build my daughter's self-esteem . The books also provide valuable history lessons, and I have really enjoyed reading them with her. The site is more of the same, with fun games and activities. I feel safe letting her wander around the site on her own as the content is very appropriate for her at 8 years of age.

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Its the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    There are American Girl books that tell you(GIRLS) about growing up. Its the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    i lost six brain cells looking at this book

    i like this book but i dont like it

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