American Girl has announced that they will be releasing the company’s third African-American doll in its BeForever historical line this summer, a 9-year-old named Melody Ellison growing up in Detroit during the 1960s civil rights era.

According to the report they released, Melody Ellison loves to sing and uses her voice to help make a difference during this important moment in U.S. history. Her accessories include a recording studio and multiple Motown references. To create Melody’s backstory and image, American Girl formed a six-panel advisory board made up of historians and educators to make sure that her story was as realistic as possible. This panel even included the late civil rights icon Julian Bond.

This was the description of the book that accompanies the Melody doll:

“Melody Ellison is an optimistic, enthusiastic girl growing up in Detroit, Michigan during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. She’s excited and proud to share a special surprise with her family—she’s been chosen to sing a solo for Youth Day at her church! But what song will she choose? She gets advice from her big brother, and is also inspired by her older sister, but it’s the inspirational words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that help her pick the perfect song.

There are many unfair things happening during Melody’s time, even to people in her own family. But it’s an unimaginable tragedy in the South that leaves Melody silent. Who can help her lift her voice and sing —who will inspire her to ‘keep stepping’?”

Melody’s costs $115, but if you add in her recording studio and all her other accessories, the price almost hits $900. Click on the arrows at the bottom of this page to see the doll and her accessories.

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