JESS Book Author eMail

[DaisyDee]

So I found out that Jess' book was written by Mary Cassanova (Also wrote the book for Cecile) and I emailed her. While her response was naturally tight-lipped, I think there are a couple of well chosen words to give us some good news about her as definitely being a doll. Here's the response, and my original email:

Hi Dee,

I wish I could tell you all about what's coming. All I can say it "wait
and see." I did some incredible hands-on research for JESS and loved
the
process of finding her story. When January rolls around, I'll be free to
discuss the whole project more freely.

Thank you for your interest!

Mary


> Hi Mary,
>
> I noticed that you are listed as the author of an American Girl Book
title
> Jess: Girl of the Year. I was wondering if this book corresponds to a
new
> American Girl doll, and if so, what is her story about?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Dee

The choice words I gleaned from her are "loved the process of finding her story." To me this means they probably came up with the doll first, and asked her to comeup with the story. What does everyone else think?

[Skittl1321]

Based on inteviews with Valerie Tripp it was always my understanding that they made the physical characterstics of the dolls, and many of the outfits, based on what the author wrote in the story.

I imagine that the author was given something like - we want a story about a homeschooled girl who goes on an adventure- then the author came up with the character and then the doll was created.

That's just what I would think.

[KariS]

I don't want to start anything, but I just feel like I need to point something out.

The description of Jess says something like "It's her first time being home-schooled." Everyone keeps referring to her as the home-schooled doll, when in reality it sounds like she's just being home-schooled while her family is in Belize for five months and I have to wonder how big a part of the story her schooling really is. That doesn't mean she's *not* a home-schooled girl (doll), and while it's definitely a first for AG, I don't think she's your typical home-schooler, meaning it's not her normal lifestyle or a home-schooled girl like many are thinking of.

[AGTeacher]

Cleo, you are right. It will be Jess first home school experience. Not a typical Homeschooler.

[Skittl1321]

I think it would be hard to determine what a typical homeschooler is.

People homeschool for so many different reasons, in varying ways, and in groups of varying sizes.

[wildpony]

Thats cool that she emailed you back! [img]biggrin.gif[/img] I am so excited for Jess~ [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]eek.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ October 20, 2005 03:44 PM: Message edited by: Saffy'sAngel Gal* ]</font>

[lscogbill]

has anyone found out when Jess will be available?

[stepshigh01]

I liked the idea of her being homeschooled- even if it's just for a little while. It will show some kids and adults that homeschooling is fun- and you DO learn- you don't just sit around all day doing nothing. You do just as much as the kids in the public or private schools, just mom's your teacher!