Maybe I have lost touch since my childhood in the 80's, but I loved American Girls. It had some of the commercialism then, but nothing compared to what appears to exist today.

But it was all about the story. Like other's who posted here, I was also obsesssed with any story containing any independant girl fighting for it: Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Secret Garden, Punky Bruster, and on and on. I had Kirsten (okay still have). It was a BIG purchase for my very barely middle class family. (My much richer next door neighbor tellingly had Samantha.)

But I love that doll in a way I don't love any others. It is the story, and when the catalogue showed up, I poured over it, knowing I would never have it. I loved to see what was "normal" for that story. (For example, I still remember Kirsten's heritage because of the Chirstmas stuff.) The differences, the hardship each had, the lessons. I really did learn, and would 100% support that over other dolls for my daughter.