posted by Melissa:

"We don't read much about this in the history books, but it would make interesting stories if there were an Irish immigrant girl."

Isn't Nelly and her family Irish? There was the perfect example for Mattel to develop more thoroughly her character, instead of just being a *friend* to Samantha. I haven't read the book yet, and don't want to know the details, so maybe they do highlight more of her Irish background there.