I’ve been eagerly following the buzz surrounding the upcoming Girl of the Year (GOTY) for 2025 from American Girl, and Summer McKinney has certainly caught my attention. When the initial spoilers started, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and a bit of disappointment.
While I had hoped for a character of color to be featured this year, I was thrilled to see Summer represented with glasses – something that hits close to home for me.
Looking back, characters like Molly and Z Yang were the only ones who wore glasses before, and as someone who has worn glasses since child, seeing a character like Summer means a lot. Summer’s entrepreneurial spirit and her friendship with Daisy resonate with me, reminding me of my own experiences and friendships.
I’m eager to explore Summer’s journey in “American Girl: Summer Gets to Work. Let’s discover together how Summer McKinney brings diversity, relatability, and inspiration to the world of American Girl dolls and stories.
Character Profile: Summer McKinney
Summer’s appearance is immediately striking. She sports long blonde hair with playful pink streaks, reflecting her creative flair and modern sensibility. What sets Summer apart is her signature accessory – glasses. Dressed in a casual white t-shirt paired with a purple apron, Summer’s outfit reflects her practical yet stylish approach to her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Background and Storyline:
At the heart of Summer’s story is Waggy Pup Tails, her bustling business where she combines her love for pets with her knack for baking homemade dog treats.
Alongside her best friend Daisy, who runs a complementary cat toy business, Summer navigates the challenges and joys of managing their respective enterprises while aspiring to beome partner in business.
Summer McKinney is portrayed as resourceful, determined, and empathetic. Her bond with Daisy highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork as they navigate the ups and downs of their joint business ventures. Despite their differing approaches, Summer’s willingness to learn and adapt fosters growth, both personally and professionally, throughout their shared journey.
Book Story Overview: “American Girl: Summer Gets to Work”
In “American Girl: Summer Gets to Work,” readers are invited into the world of Summer McKinney, a spirited entrepreneur whose passion for pets and baking fuels her ambitious endeavors.
Written as part of the Girl of the Year (GOTY) series for 2025, Summer’s story engages to the readers in the daily adventures of a young girl determined to make her mark.
The narrative kicks off with Summer juggling an influx of new clients and orders for her homemade dog cookies. Her best friend, Daisy, joins in with her own business of crafting cat toys, and together they form a partnership to raise funds for an upcoming animal camp they both dream of attending.
However, as Summer and Daisy navigate the complexities of running their businesses together, they encounter challenges that test their friendship. From mishaps in the kitchen to disagreements over business strategies, the girls grapple with whether their partnership can withstand the pressures of entrepreneurship and maintain their close bond.
Cover Book Illustration
The cover of “American Girl: Summer Gets to Work” offers a vibrant and dynamic visual representation.
The illustration features a lively and colorful composition that immediately draws the eye. At the top, the title “American Girl: Summer Gets to Work” is displayed in bright, multicolored letters outlined with a playful bubble effect.
In the foreground of the cover, two central characters are prominently featured engaging in a bustling activity. On the left stands Summer McKinney, portrayed with long blonde hair streaked with pink highlights. She is depicted wearing her signature glasses, a white t-shirt, and a purple apron, embodying her role as an aspiring entrepreneur at Waggy Pup Tails.
Summer’s expression exudes enthusiasm as she holds a towel, ready to grooming progress to the small black dog in a bathtub.
Thus, I can’t wait for its launch and to soon own the Girl of the Year 2025 doll from American Girl.
