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An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win on Amazon

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This post has been sponsored by KidzVuz on behalf of Amazon Studios.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for young children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime.

The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody who in 1963 faces the realities of being black in America.  She sees, hears and experiences all sorts of inequalities around her – including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don’t have books, being accused of shoplifting while simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother’s boss talk down to her and being bullied on the playground by a few fellow pupils.  An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly manner that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

photo: John P. Fleenor

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relateable for children.

photo: John P. Fleenor

Last Monday, my daughter and I had the opportunity to attend the An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win series premiere at the Galaxy Theaters at The Grove in Los Angeles.  It was a beautiful fall evening as we watched the stars of the film arrive on the red carpet.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

After sitting down in our comfy seats, we snacked on complimentary popcorn and drinks, and anxiously awaited for the movie to begin.  I started a nice conversation with a mom and her two young daughters who had personally been invited to the premiere by the American Girl Store & Cafe in LA.  Apparently, they were devout American Girl fans!

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

Throughout the movie, Field Trip Girl would lean over and ask me specific questions about the story line.  She didn’t understand why some people in the film did not treat others with respect.  She also wondered why some characters in particular “were so mean” (in her words).

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

Frances Fisher (Titanic) as Miss Abbot photo: John P. Fleenor

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

Frankie Faison (The Wire) as Melody’s grandfather Frank Ellison photo: John P. Fleenor

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

Yet the star of the film, Marsai Martin (Black-ish), did an outstanding job at unpacking this complicated topic for both of us through her role as Melody.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

Thanks to An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, the movie sparked a conversation between my daughter and I about how Melody’s journey is relevant to today.  As Melody’s mother (Idara Victor) says in the film,”Fear brings out the worst in us, but love brings out the best.”

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

After the movie premiere, we had the pleasure of attending a private party at the American Girl Place in Los Angeles.  They had all sorts of delicious food, delightful crafts and colorful decorations reminiscent of the 1960s.  Motown music also played throughout the evening.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relateable for children.

The American Girl doll, Melody, was first introduced to the public in August and is now available on Amazon and in store.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

The American Civil Rights Movement comes to life for children with the new release of An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuting on Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime. The new Amazon TV special tells the story a 10-year-old girl named Melody in 1963 who faces the realities of being black in America. She sees, hears and experiences a variety of inequalities all around her - including learning about schools in her neighborhood that don't have enough books, being accused of shoplifting when simply looking at a dress in a department store, hearing her mother's boss negatively to her and being bullied on the playground by other white pupils. An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win presents real-life, tough historical issues in a family-friendly way that is relatable for children.

An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, debuts this Friday, October 21 on Amazon Prime.  I highly recommend watching it with your children to further the discussion of race relations in America.  It is an extremely important topic that we all need to be involved in.

Happy Movie Watching!

Jilleen