This post has been sponsored by KidzVuz on behalf of Amazon Studios.
Today, Amazon is releasing its first Amazon Original Special, An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win. I had the opportunity to screen it before its release with my stepdaughter, and this story is one I think all little girls should see.
ABOUT THE SPECIAL
Set during the civil rights movement, the special centers around Melody, a 10-year-old girl living in Detroit in 1963, whose eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her. True to American Girl fashion, the story shows the specific time period through Melody's eyes, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing.
Melody's belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. I found myself nodding along as she questions her teacher about the "liberty and justice for all" when black girls were denied service at a lunch counter.
There was one point in the video when Melody is falsely accused of trying to steal a dress when her only "crime" was being a black girl in a predominately white store. Then, the emotional moment when she sees her mother being treated differently at work, and seeing little boys bully Melody at school, really helped my stepdaughter see how much inequality there really was during this era, and opened the line of communication between us about racism and inequalities that are still present, more than 50 years later.
Throughout the show, Melody’s mother keeps reminding her that love brings out the best in everyone and fear brings out the worst. But, she also instills in her that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.” The same message that I will be teaching my children throughout their lives.
Melody's belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. I found myself nodding along as she questions her teacher about the "liberty and justice for all" when black girls were denied service at a lunch counter.
There was one point in the video when Melody is falsely accused of trying to steal a dress when her only "crime" was being a black girl in a predominately white store. Then, the emotional moment when she sees her mother being treated differently at work, and seeing little boys bully Melody at school, really helped my stepdaughter see how much inequality there really was during this era, and opened the line of communication between us about racism and inequalities that are still present, more than 50 years later.
Throughout the show, Melody’s mother keeps reminding her that love brings out the best in everyone and fear brings out the worst. But, she also instills in her that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.” The same message that I will be teaching my children throughout their lives.
WATCH IT
This story isn't the easiest to watch, but the messages it has are ones that need to be told and retold. Definitely plan on watching on An American Girl Story — Melody 1963: Love Has to Win today, October 21st, on Amazon Prime.
FROM AMAZON
The Amazon Original Special is based on American Girl’s Melody character and inspirational stories. In addition to the special debuting exclusively on Prime Video, Amazon and American Girl have collaborated to create a destination for fans of Melody’s stories to find a wide selection of American Girl Melody products. Go to www.amazon.com/americangirl to shop an 18-inch Melody doll, historically accurate 1960s doll outfits, a Motown-inspired recording studio that plays and records music, and more. “We are always looking for new ways to bring our great content to life both on and off the screen,” said Eva Lorenz, Category Leader for Toys. “From toys to books to crafts, Melody’s biggest fans can now discover and shop a wide selection of items available with free Two Day Shipping for Prime members.”
An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win will be available for Prime members using the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/originals—Prime members will also be able to download the series on mobile devices for offline viewing.
MORE FROM AMAZON
Did you know Amazon also offers more original programming for kids? Check out these new videos from the Amazon Pre-School show, Wishenpoofs:
Wishenpoof! Believe In Me - Official Music Video | Amazon Kids
Set to go LIVE 10/21 at 6am PST
Wishenpoof! Say Something - Official Music Video | Amazon Kids
Set to go LIVE 10/28 at 6am PST
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