Kirsten. 1854.

Meet Kirsten Larson!

Kirsten Larson is an immigrant girl of strength and spirit who travels with her family from Sweden to Minnesota in the 1850s. Kirsten learns to balance her Swedish heritage and traditions with learning how to be an American while working hard at school and her family’s farm.

 

Kirsten's story

For two months, Kirsten and her family travel from Sweden to America on a crowded schooner ship called Eagle. The voyage is challenging and exciting—everyone is looking forward to their arrival in New York.

When Kirsten’s family arrives in America, they prepare for the next leg of their journey to Minnesota. Kirsten wonders if she will always be far from her home in Sweden-a place where she would be happy, a place where she would belong. But when she meets her two cousins, the three quickly forge a bond and become inseparable. After spending the first night in her very own bed in America, Kirsten begins to see Minnesota as her new home.


Kirsten's story



For two months, Kirsten and her family travel from Sweden to America on a crowded schooner ship called Eagle. The voyage is challenging and exciting—everyone is looking forward to their arrival in New York.

When Kirsten’s family arrives in America, they prepare for the next leg of their journey to Minnesota. Kirsten wonders if she will always be far from her home in Sweden-a place where she would be happy, a place where she would belong. But when she meets her two cousins, the three quickly forge a bond and become inseparable. After spending the first night in her very own bed in America, Kirsten begins to see Minnesota as her new home.


 

Family & friends

Family & friends

Anders Larson


Anders Larson

Kirsten’s gruff, hearty, and hard-working Papa, whose steadiness keeps the entire family calm as they travel from Sweden to America. The family is traveling to live near Papa’s brother Olav, and Papa knows this strange new world is intimidating. He works hard to take care of the farm to provide for the family.

Greta Larson


Greta Larson

Kirsten’s thoughtful and kind mother, who reminds Kirsten of her responsibilities but also tries to make her feel appreciated. Mama is sick on the boat that crosses the ocean from Sweden to America, but once they arrive, she works just as hard as Papa to build their new life in Minnesota.

Lars Larson


Lars Larson

Kirsten’s older brother Lars is a teenager and is treated as a man when they arrive at their new farm in Minnesota. He is an important helper for the family.

Peter Larson


Peter Larson

Kirsten’s younger brother Peter is five when they arrive in America, and likes to imitate Lars and Papa. Even at his young age, he’s expected to help on the farm, but he can be mischievous.

Britta Larson


Britta Larson

Britta is Kirsten’s baby sister who is born in Minnesota after the family settles on their farm. Although her arrival is stressful for Kirsten, Kirsten is happy to have a little sister.

Olav Larson


Olav Larson

Kirsten’s Uncle Olav is Papa’s brother who left Sweden when Kirsten was three to start a new life in America. Once he arrived in Minnesota, he met Inger and they were married. He is very happy Papa’s family has come to live near his family.

Inger Larson


Inger Larson

Aunt Inger was a widow with two daughters when she met Kirsten’s Uncle Olav and they were married. Inger is also Swedish, so she understands the Larsons’ language and traditions, and helps them feel at home in Minnesota.

Lisbeth Larson


Lisbeth Larson

Lisbeth is Kirsten’s older cousin who welcomes Kirsten and her family enthusiastically and becomes a close friend for Kirsten.

Anna Larson


Anna Larson

Kirsten’s younger cousin Anna is Lisbeth’s younger sister, who is also very excited to meet Kirsten and her family. Anna’s enthusiasm sometimes makes it hard for her to keep a secret.

Marta


Marta

Marta is Kirsten’s friend from the ship to America, and her family is also Swedish. The girls are separated as they travel from New York to the Midwest, but are reunited in Chicago. Marta gets cholera on the riverboat from Chicago to Minnesota.

Miss Winston


Miss Winston

Kirsten’s teacher Miss Winston teaches her many things, including how to speak English and how to quilt. She lives with the Larsons, which at first worries Kirsten.

Singing Bird


Singing Bird

Singing Bird is Kirsten’s Dakota friend who she encounters near her house. The Dakota people were being driven out of Minnesota, and the two girls don’t speak the same language, but they still grow a friendship.

Anders Larson


Anders Larson

Kirsten’s gruff, hearty, and hard-working Papa, whose steadiness keeps the entire family calm as they travel from Sweden to America. The family is traveling to live near Papa’s brother Olav, and Papa knows this strange new world is intimidating. He works hard to take care of the farm to provide for the family.

Greta Larson


Greta Larson

Kirsten’s thoughtful and kind mother, who reminds Kirsten of her responsibilities but also tries to make her feel appreciated. Mama is sick on the boat that crosses the ocean from Sweden to America, but once they arrive, she works just as hard as Papa to build their new life in Minnesota.

Lars Larson


Lars Larson

Kirsten’s older brother Lars is a teenager and is treated as a man when they arrive at their new farm in Minnesota. He is an important helper for the family.

Peter Larson


Peter Larson

Kirsten’s younger brother Peter is five when they arrive in America, and likes to imitate Lars and Papa. Even at his young age, he’s expected to help on the farm, but he can be mischievous.

Britta Larson


Britta Larson

Britta is Kirsten’s baby sister who is born in Minnesota after the family settles on their farm. Although her arrival is stressful for Kirsten, Kirsten is happy to have a little sister.

Olav Larson


Olav Larson

Kirsten’s Uncle Olav is Papa’s brother who left Sweden when Kirsten was three to start a new life in America. Once he arrived in Minnesota, he met Inger and they were married. He is very happy Papa’s family has come to live near his family.

Inger Larson


Inger Larson

Aunt Inger was a widow with two daughters when she met Kirsten’s Uncle Olav and they were married. Inger is also Swedish, so she understands the Larsons’ language and traditions, and helps them feel at home in Minnesota.

Lisbeth Larson


Lisbeth Larson

Lisbeth is Kirsten’s older cousin who welcomes Kirsten and her family enthusiastically and becomes a close friend for Kirsten.

Anna Larson


Anna Larson

Kirsten’s younger cousin Anna is Lisbeth’s younger sister, who is also very excited to meet Kirsten and her family. Anna’s enthusiasm sometimes makes it hard for her to keep a secret.

Marta


Marta

Marta is Kirsten’s friend from the ship to America, and her family is also Swedish. The girls are separated as they travel from New York to the Midwest, but are reunited in Chicago. Marta gets cholera on the riverboat from Chicago to Minnesota.

Miss Winston


Miss Winston

Kirsten’s teacher Miss Winston teaches her many things, including how to speak English and how to quilt. She lives with the Larsons, which at first worries Kirsten.

Singing Bird


Singing Bird

Singing Bird is Kirsten’s Dakota friend who she encounters near her house. The Dakota people were being driven out of Minnesota, and the two girls don’t speak the same language, but they still grow a friendship.

 

Story brought to life

Story brought to life

Kirsten Larson doll


Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories

In her story, Kirsten’s aunt gives her a blue dress patterned with a “grow stripe” at the bottom hem that could be let out as she grew taller.

Shop Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories

Kirsten Larson doll in her birthday outfit


Kirsten™ Birthday Outfit & Book

Kirsten’s hard work caring for her new baby sister is rewarded when her birthday—her first in Minnesota—becomes a celebration of family and friendship.

Shop Kirsten™ Birthday Outfit and Book

Kirsten Larson doll


Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories

In her story, Kirsten’s aunt gives her a blue dress patterned with a “grow stripe” at the bottom hem that could be let out as she grew taller.

Shop Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories

Kirsten Larson doll in her birthday outfit


Kirsten™ Birthday Outfit & Book

Kirsten’s hard work caring for her new baby sister is rewarded when her birthday—her first in Minnesota—becomes a celebration of family and friendship.

Shop Kirsten™ Birthday Outfit and Book

Meet Kirsten

Kirsten Larson and her family arrive in America in 1854, after a long sea voyage. Everything looks so different from the life Kirsten knew back in Sweden--the ways people talk and dress seem strange! Getting lost in a big city and parting with her best friend only add to Kirsten's worry. Will she ever feel at home here? It is only when the Larsons arrive at a tiny farm on the edge of the frontier that Kirsten believes Papa's promise--America will be a land filled with opportunity for them all.



Shop Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories


Meet Kirsten

Kirsten Larson and her family arrive in America in 1854, after a long sea voyage. Everything looks so different from the life Kirsten knew back in Sweden--the ways people talk and dress seem strange! Getting lost in a big city and parting with her best friend only add to Kirsten's worry. Will she ever feel at home here? It is only when the Larsons arrive at a tiny farm on the edge of the frontier that Kirsten believes Papa's promise--America will be a land filled with opportunity for them all.



Shop Kirsten Larson™ Doll, Book & Accessories



Kirsten Learns a Lesson

Kirsten starts school in America, but she doesn’t speak English very well. Miss Winston, her new teacher, is strict and not very understanding. Things get worse when Miss Winston comes to live with the Larson family. Kirsten’s only escape is playing with her secret friend, Singing Bird. When Singing Bird suggests running away forever, Kirsten must decide where she belongs. Kirsten does learn some important lessons in school, but she learns something even more important about herself.

This book is not currently for sale.




Kirsten Learns a Lesson

Kirsten Larson and her family arrive in America in 1854, after a long sea voyage. Everything looks so different from the life Kirsten knew back in Sweden--the ways people talk and dress seem strange! Getting lost in a big city and parting with her best friend only add to Kirsten's worry. Will she ever feel at home here? It is only when the Larsons arrive at a tiny farm on the edge of the frontier that Kirsten believes Papa's promise--America will be a land filled with opportunity for them all.

This book is not currently for sale.



Kirsten's Surprise

Kirsten and her family will be celebrating their first Christmas in America. Kirsten wants to keep some of their old Swedish traditions alive in the new country, so she secretly plans a Saint Lucia celebration. But everything depends on a trip to town with Papa, and he’s too busy to leave the farm. At last they go--and get caught in a terrible blizzard. It’s up to Kirsten to keep herself and Papa safe through the night. When she finally gets home, the candles in the little cabin glow with a special holiday warmth.

This book is not currently for sale.




Kirsten's Surprise

Kirsten and her family will be celebrating their first Christmas in America. Kirsten wants to keep some of their old Swedish traditions alive in the new country, so she secretly plans a Saint Lucia celebration. But everything depends on a trip to town with Papa, and he’s too busy to leave the farm. At last they go--and get caught in a terrible blizzard. It’s up to Kirsten to keep herself and Papa safe through the night. When she finally gets home, the candles in the little cabin glow with a special holiday warmth.

This book is not currently for sale.



Happy Birthday, Kirsten!

Kirsten's excited about the changes spring is bringing to the Larsons’ farm—including a big barn and a tiny baby. But changes bring new worries and more work, too. First Kirsten is afraid for Mama’s health. Then caring for a baby seems to mean nothing but chores. Kirsten must miss school to help at home, and she can’t help with the surprise she and her friends are planning for their teacher. Will her friends forget all about her? But Kirsten’s hard work is rewarded with a day of fun—and a special birthday surprise.



Shop Kirsten's™ Birthday Outfit and Book



Happy Birthday, Kirsten!

Kirsten's excited about the changes spring is bringing to the Larsons’ farm—including a big barn and a tiny baby. But changes bring new worries and more work, too. First Kirsten is afraid for Mama’s health. Then caring for a baby seems to mean nothing but chores. Kirsten must miss school to help at home, and she can’t help with the surprise she and her friends are planning for their teacher. Will her friends forget all about her? But Kirsten’s hard work is rewarded with a day of fun—and a special birthday surprise.



Shop Kirsten's™ Birthday Outfit and Book



Kirsten Saves the Day

Kirsten welcomes summer when it finally comes to Minnesota. Even chores, such as catching fish for dinner, seem like play. One day while she’s fishing, Kirsten leaves the stream to explore the woods. There she finds a treasure--a bee tree packed with honeycombs. Kirsten knows Papa could use the honey to trade for things the family needs. So she decides to surprise him by bringing the honey home. Kirsten asks her brother Peter to help her. But they don’t know that bears are after Kirsten’s treasure, too.

This book is not currently for sale.




Kirsten Saves the Day

Kirsten welcomes summer when it finally comes to Minnesota. Even chores, such as catching fish for dinner, seem like play. One day while she’s fishing, Kirsten leaves the stream to explore the woods. There she finds a treasure--a bee tree packed with honeycombs. Kirsten knows Papa could use the honey to trade for things the family needs. So she decides to surprise him by bringing the honey home. Kirsten asks her brother Peter to help her. But they don’t know that bears are after Kirsten’s treasure, too.

This book is not currently for sale.



Changes for Kirsten

Kirsten wonders if the cold Minnesota winter will ever end. It’s crowded in the tiny log cabin, and Kirsten looks forward to the days she’s allowed outside to help her brother Lars with his trap line. One day she brings home a baby raccoon she’s found in the woods, and trouble begins. The raccoon gets loose and starts a fire that destroys the Larsons’ home and everything in it. The future seems bleak, until Kirsten and Lars go back into the woods and make a frightening but important discovery.

This book is not currently for sale.




Changes for Kirsten

Kirsten wonders if the cold Minnesota winter will ever end. It’s crowded in the tiny log cabin, and Kirsten looks forward to the days she’s allowed outside to help her brother Lars with his trap line. One day she brings home a baby raccoon she’s found in the woods, and trouble begins. The raccoon gets loose and starts a fire that destroys the Larsons’ home and everything in it. The future seems bleak, until Kirsten and Lars go back into the woods and make a frightening but important discovery.

This book is not currently for sale.



 

Author & illustrator

Author & illustrator

American Girl author, Janet Shaw


Author Janet Shaw

Each night when Janet Shaw was a girl, she took out a flashlight and book hidden under her pillow and read until she fell asleep. She and her brother liked to act out stories, especially ones about sword fights and wild horses. Today, she has three grown children. When they were small, she often pulled them in a big red wagon to the library, where they filled the wagon with so many books they had to walk back home.

American Girl illustration, Renée Graef


Illustrator Renée Graef

Renée Graef enjoys wearing hats and has a collection of over 150 hats hanging on her walls. She wears out three electric pencil sharpeners a year on the colored pencils she uses in her artwork.

American Girl author, Janet Shaw


Author Janet Shaw

Each night when Janet Shaw was a girl, she took out a flashlight and book hidden under her pillow and read until she fell asleep. She and her brother liked to act out stories, especially ones about sword fights and wild horses. Today, she has three grown children. When they were small, she often pulled them in a big red wagon to the library, where they filled the wagon with so many books they had to walk back home.

American Girl illustration, Renée Graef


Illustrator Renée Graef

Renée Graef enjoys wearing hats and has a collection of over 150 hats hanging on her walls. She wears out three electric pencil sharpeners a year on the colored pencils she uses in her artwork.

 

Fun facts

Fun facts

Kirsten is from a small town called Ryd in Sweden before she comes to Minnesota.
The Larson family took a ship from Sweden to New York, then a train and a steamboat. They walked the last leg to their new home in Minnesota.
Kirsten’s favorite color is pink.
Papa often reminds their family to “never lose heart,” which means to not get discouraged.
Kirsten’s doll’s name is Sari, and she’s a ragdoll that Kirsten brings with her from Sweden.
The friendship quilt that Miss Winston shows Kirsten and her cousins is based on a real type of quilt that women made at that time.

Kirsten is from a small town called Ryd in Sweden before she comes to Minnesota.

The Larson family took a ship from Sweden to New York, then a train and a steamboat. They walked the last leg to their new home in Minnesota.

Kirsten’s favorite color is pink.

Papa often reminds their family to “never lose heart,” which means to not get discouraged.

Kirsten’s doll’s name is Sari, and she’s a ragdoll that Kirsten brings with her from Sweden.

The friendship quilt that Miss Winston shows Kirsten and her cousins is based on a real type of quilt that women made at that time.


 

Kirsten's era

Kirsten's era

Swedish families emigrating to the United States were often only able to bring one large trunk with all of their belongings, much like Kirsten’s family did.
Kirsten is very busy when Mama is going to have a baby, as she needs to help at the farm. Many pioneer children only attended school when they weren’t needed at their farms, such as in the winter.
Minnesota was the territory of the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe Native Americans until they signed treaties with the US Government in 1851, right before Kirsten and her family arrived.
When the Larsons arrived in America, the famous immigration station Ellis Island didn’t exist yet, so they just walked off the ship at the harbor.
Illnesses like cholera were a major concern at the time of Kirsten’s story, as it wasn’t well understood and could infect many in a short amount of time.
The barn-raising party in Happy Birthday, Kirsten! was a real type of party that settlers would have to help each other and socialize.

Swedish families emigrating to the United States were often only able to bring one large trunk with all of their belongings, much like Kirsten’s family did.

Kirsten is very busy when Mama is going to have a baby, as she needs to help at the farm. Many pioneer children only attended school when they weren’t needed at their farms, such as in the winter.

Minnesota was the territory of the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe Native Americans until they signed treaties with the US Government in 1851, right before Kirsten and her family arrived.

When the Larsons arrived in America, the famous immigration station Ellis Island didn’t exist yet, so they just walked off the ship at the harbor.

Illnesses like cholera were a major concern at the time of Kirsten’s story, as it wasn’t well understood and could infect many in a short amount of time.

The barn-raising party in Happy Birthday, Kirsten! was a real type of party that settlers would have to help each other and socialize.


 

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes

  • Kirsten was one of the first three characters in The American Girls Collection, along with Samantha and Molly, when Pleasant Company debuted.
  • The Kirsten doll and accessories were “archived” in 2010 and have only been rereleased once in 2021 and once in 2024 since then.
  • One of the outfits that was sold for Kirsten was a housecoat and sockor, or wool slippers. The sockor for the Kirsten doll were handmade by a woman in Sweden beginning in 1987 for twenty years.
  • The original family portrait in Kirsten’s books is made to look like a daguerreotype, which is a type of photograph from the time. Later, the portraits of Kirsten’s family and friends were done individually to match the other American Girl books.
  • In Pleasant Rowland’s original business plan, Kirsten was named Rebecca, and was a Norwegian immigrant in 1865.
  • The team who created Kirsten did a lot of research with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Historical Societies, who had a lot of information about the Swedish settlers who came to these states in the 1800s.
  • Kirsten’s Swedish dirndl and kerchief outfit were first released in 1989.
  • Kirsten was one of the first three characters in The American Girls Collection, along with Samantha and Molly, when Pleasant Company debuted.
  • The Kirsten doll and accessories were “archived” in 2010 and have only been rereleased once in 2021 and once in 2024 since then.
  • One of the outfits that was sold for Kirsten was a housecoat and sockor, or wool slippers. The sockor for the Kirsten doll were handmade by a woman in Sweden beginning in 1987 for twenty years.
  • The original family portrait in Kirsten’s books is made to look like a daguerreotype, which is a type of photograph from the time. Later, the portraits of Kirsten’s family and friends were done individually to match the other American Girl books.
  • In Pleasant Rowland’s original business plan, Kirsten was named Rebecca, and was a Norwegian immigrant in 1865.
  • The team who created Kirsten did a lot of research with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Historical Societies, who had a lot of information about the Swedish settlers who came to these states in the 1800s.
  • Kirsten’s Swedish dirndl and kerchief outfit were first released in 1989.

 

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In every era, character counts

Learn more about other historical characters

In every era, character counts

Learn more about other historical characters

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