American Girl has announced that Caroline Abbott, the 1812 character I created, will be archived.
While I am, of course, disappointed with the decision to retire Caroline, I am grateful to have amazing and wonderful memories.
The Caroline books led me to many historic sites in the United States and Canada. Visiting Sackets Harbor, New York, has been extra special because it is Caroline’s home town.
I’ve also visited American Girl stores from coast to coast. The store associates are consistently awesome.
But the very best part of the experience has been meeting, and hearing from, so many incredible girls (and boys) and their families. I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds of young readers who are smart, kind, and excited about reading and history.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
* * *
When American Girl shares more details about their plans, I’ll pass them on.
I do have several Caroline programs on my schedule, including my final visit to Sackets Harbor in July! As always, you can find details on the Calendar page of my website.
Tags: Caroline Abbott
Sites and Stories 
May 5, 2015 at 10:08 pm |
Thanks for sharing this post and these photos. It must be like saying good-bye to an old friend. However, I feel certain the Caroline stories will remain alive in the hearts of many young readers. The bitter sweetness of change.
May 5, 2015 at 11:00 pm |
Thanks for the kind words, Nancy. I had hoped to do more with Caroline, but I have many wonderful memories, and am grateful.
May 7, 2015 at 4:33 am |
I am sorry to hear this news. My granddaughter, Caroline will be greatly disappointed. It will make our vacation in Sackets Harbor this July (which includes your reading) bittersweet!
May 7, 2015 at 2:30 pm |
I’m so glad you’re coming to Sackets Harbor! It will be bittersweet for me as well, but whenever I’m around the girls, all I can think is how fortunate I’ve been to have had this opportunity. See you both in July!
May 7, 2015 at 12:35 pm |
Our daughter loves her Caroline doll and story. We appreciate what she has learned about our country’s history from a girl’s perspective. Keep writing! We thought Caroline’s story would have made a great movie!
May 7, 2015 at 2:28 pm |
Thank you, Carrie! I’m so glad your daughter has enjoyed the books. I loved writing them–and I agree, Caroline’s adventures would have made a great movie! I *love* writing for young readers, so I hope I can entertain your daughter in the future as well.
May 10, 2015 at 7:26 pm |
I was also super disappointed to hear this. One of my first thoughts was of your wonderful efforts which really brought the character to life and the lovely artwork created for them. Such a wonderful and fun history lesson.
I hope at least those will stay in publication for some time to come.
Really does not seem like enough time at all but I’m very grateful for the storyline.
Best of luck in your other future projects!
May 11, 2015 at 12:41 pm |
Thank you, Renee, your kind words mean a lot. I so glad you’ve enjoyed Carolines stories. I had more stories to tell, but I’m grateful for what I was able to do. I love writing for your young readers, so I hope to find a new opportunity to do so.
June 8, 2015 at 12:00 am |
Such a bummer! I thought Caroline’s stories were some of the best – I feel like they’re getting rid of the stronger characters among the girls in favor of something tamer. 😦 I guess Caroline’s just not frilly enough for them.
June 8, 2015 at 8:56 am |
Thanks so much – I’m glad you enjoyed Caroline’s stories. I’m sad too.
June 13, 2015 at 2:42 pm |
I heard about this sad news before AG announced it to the world. I’m disappointed they’re sending her into the so-called archive so soon. Without Felicity and Caroline, there’s a sad lack of early American girls whose stories tell the foundation of our country. I enjoyed the books and regret not buying them. I hope find the set some time and share them with my nieces.
June 13, 2015 at 6:36 pm |
Thanks for your kind words. I’m sad too, but will always cherish the memories. It was marvelous to have the opportunity to create Caroline and write her stories, and I met too many wonderful girls over the past three years to count!
December 26, 2015 at 2:55 am |
I got Caroline for Christmas. She’s beautiful. We bought her in October to avoid missing out on getting her. Even though Caroline is gone will you still write books about her? I want to see what happens to Caroline next. Is it possible that American Girl will bring Caroline back someday?
December 26, 2015 at 6:05 pm |
Hi Cayce – I answered on another post, but wanted to reply here as well to be sure you saw it! I’m very glad you were able to get Caroline before she disappeared. I’d love to write more Caroline stories one day, but we’ll have to wait and see what American Girl decides. Perhaps one day they will decide to bring her back. I loved creating the character!
December 26, 2015 at 6:59 pm
I missed the other post Ms. Ernst. Me too. I brushed Caroline’s hair last night, but it didn’t turn out right. I used the wire pick that we got with Rebecca last year. We’re going to take Caroline to the American Girl Store to have her hair re curled. Why did American Girl decide to archive Caroline? Was she not doing well? Watch out for drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
December 27, 2015 at 2:19 pm
I’m sure the people at the AG store can restyle Caroline’s hair, and give you some tips on taking care of it. As for why Caroline was archived, as a freelancer I’m not privy to the planning conversations at American Girl, so I can’t share any information about that.