The official release party for the newest American Girl movie, “McKenna Shoots for the Stars,” will be hosted by the book’s author Mary Casanova at 6 p.m. July 19 at Backus Community Center Auditorium.
American Girl is a brand of dolls, books, and related items that are extremely popular with girls, said a news release. The character McKenna, a gymnast, is American Girl’s 2012 Girl of the Year and has already been featured in two books written by Casanova, “McKenna” and “McKenna, Ready to Fly!”
Casanova, an award-winning children’s book author, lives in Ranier, and several of her other books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border.
The release party event is free, but a suggested $3 donation will be taken to benefit Backus Community Center. Book sales and signing will precede and follow the movie viewing, with proceeds going to Backus arts and kids programs. Drawings will be held for giveaways of a McKenna doll, books and DVDs. Everyone who attends will be eligible.
American Girl enthusiasts will also be able to catch the movie on DVD beginning July 3, or the television premier on NBC on July 14.
“McKenna’s stories focus on how you can turn challenges into triumphs,” Casanova said in a statement. “They also help girls learn about the importance of believing in yourself and finding balance in life.”
If you go:
WHAT: Release party for newest American Girl movie
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 19
WHERE: Backus Community Center
WHY:Local author Mary Casanova created character and proceeds benefit the Backus arts and kids programs.
