Sonali Matthews American Girl Doll of the Year

The Sonali Matthews doll was released in 2009 as a companion to Chrissa Maxwell, and will be avaliable for only one year before retirement. She is considered part of the Girl of the Year collection for 2009. Sonali is at least part South Asian, as her mother's parents are from India. Originally, she is part of the Queen Bees (which the rest of the class calls the Mean Bees) along with Tara and Jadyn. She knew Tara from preschool and Tara is her best friend. At the start of the book she seems to be uncomfortable with the Bees' treatment towards Chrissa and Gwen and becomes progressively more disturbed with their actions. Soon after Tara maliciously cuts off Gwen's bangs, Sonali leaves the Queen Bees. Near the end of Chrissa, she asks for forgiveness from Gwen Thompson for not speaking up and becomes a full friend to Chrissa and Gwen.