American Girl’s stories focus on historical and modern girls navigating through challenges in their world. They explore important historical events and current issues through the eyes of young girls. The books are targeted towards kids around age 10, so even though sometimes challenging subjects are addressed, such as Addy experiencing slavery or Melody living through racially charged church shootings, they are done so in a kid friendly way that exposes kids to real issues. I love that American Girl takes real issues and incorporates them into stories that are enjoyable for kids to read and still learn from.
American Girl’s character line up includes over 25 modern dolls and 25 historical dolls. Every historical doll has at least two books (6+ books in the pre-beforever era, RIP). With so many stories to read, buying all those books can really add up. Luckily, we have found a few ways to read American Girl books for free.
American Girl Digital Books
Several books are available on American Girl’s website as part of their commitment to equity. You can access full downloadable versions of these books, complete with illustrations. Available books include stories from historical dolls Addy, Melody, Cécile and Marie Grace as well as books featuring Girl of the Year in 2016, Gabriela McBride and excerpts from the World By Us dolls Makena, Evette, and Maritza. These are PDF versions of the books with illustrations as well. Click the button below to download your own copies.
Listen to American Doll Audiobooks
One our favorite ways to listen to audiobooks is by using Libby, a free audiobook app that connects you to your local library account to listen to audiobooks or access digital books for free. What you will have available depends on your local library, but we have several books such as the complete six book series from Josefina, Felicity, and Addy. Of course, you can also visit your local public library and check books out as well.
American Girl Doll Podcasts
American Girl and a few dolly fans have created podcasts where they read parts of American Girl books and/or discuss the stories and background. Here’s a few that you can check out:
- American Girl 10 Minute Mysteries
- The Smart Girl’s Podcast
- American Girl Fan Club
- Dolls of Our Lives
Sunshine and Hairbows 