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American Girl: Corinne #1
Corinne
In the first book in her series, Corinne is snapping on her skis and taking a deep breath of crisp mountain air. She and her sister, Gwynn, have always called Aspen home, but moving in with their new stepdad, Arne, changes everything. Sure, there are perks—like a fancy bedroom and a new puppy named Flurry whom Corinne trains to do search and rescue. Still, Corinne feels uncomfortable in her new family and hides the truth from her best friend. The facts finally come out in the most disastrous way, and Corinne runs to the only place left that feels like home. But when she becomes lost on the mountain, will her survival skills be enough to save her?
144 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2021
11 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Wan-Long Shang
13 books133 followersMy parents, who grew up in China, had no favorite books from their childhood to share with me, which left me to my own devices in the library. When I mentioned this to a friend, she was a bit stunned, and I understood this reaction. I certainly never felt deprived as a child, but as a parent, it's hard to imagine not having that link.
My own book is about finding the stories we discover about our families and how we are changed by them. I hope my book inspires its readers to find the powerful stories, both great and small, in their own families.
My own book is about finding the stories we discover about our families and how we are changed by them. I hope my book inspires its readers to find the powerful stories, both great and small, in their own families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 25, 2022
I was super excited for this series as soon as I learned about it, especially since it is American Girl's first time publishing a main line book with a full Asian main character. I ended up being extremely pleased with the story, and enjoyed the vivid characters, engaging plot, and interesting elements related to Corinne adjusting to a blended family.
I particularly appreciated the book's portrayal of Arne, Corinne's new Swedish-American stepfather. The author did a great job of showing how he was initially dismissive of racism out of ignorance, but changed and grew because of his deep love for his new family. I also appreciate that the story element related to racism was fairly minor and infrequently occurring, rather than being the whole focus of the book, which had so much else to cover and to offer.
I really enjoyed the sibling dynamics in this story, and it made me smile that Gwynn was interested in figure skating, while Corinne wanted to get involved in training rescue dogs. This combined key elements from Mia (2008) and Nikki (2007), which were and are my favorite Girl of the Year characters. I also appreciate the way that the author incorporated so many different challenges into Corinne's story without overloading the book. Everything ties together smoothly and well at the end, and it is a very satisfying story overall.
I really enjoyed this, and I would recommend this to kids and to adult American Girl fans. This is my favorite Girl of the Year series since 2008, and it provides new life to a line that has been flagging in quality over recent years.
I particularly appreciated the book's portrayal of Arne, Corinne's new Swedish-American stepfather. The author did a great job of showing how he was initially dismissive of racism out of ignorance, but changed and grew because of his deep love for his new family. I also appreciate that the story element related to racism was fairly minor and infrequently occurring, rather than being the whole focus of the book, which had so much else to cover and to offer.
I really enjoyed the sibling dynamics in this story, and it made me smile that Gwynn was interested in figure skating, while Corinne wanted to get involved in training rescue dogs. This combined key elements from Mia (2008) and Nikki (2007), which were and are my favorite Girl of the Year characters. I also appreciate the way that the author incorporated so many different challenges into Corinne's story without overloading the book. Everything ties together smoothly and well at the end, and it is a very satisfying story overall.
I really enjoyed this, and I would recommend this to kids and to adult American Girl fans. This is my favorite Girl of the Year series since 2008, and it provides new life to a line that has been flagging in quality over recent years.
June 17, 2022
This was a super sweet story of friendship and family. It opens the discussion for insecurities that kiddos (and adults) may experience in new/difficult situations as well as the impulse to people please. There was also a discussion of racism in light of the COVID19 pandemic and identifying as Asian American. Corinne's experience with hateful comments and the gaslighting adult was not fun, but I really liked Corinne's internal monologue and how her mom handled the situation.
4⭐️
4⭐️
February 15, 2022
Current hot topics presented in a real way with strong themes of family, friendship and forgiveness.
I was pleasantly surprised after reading “Corinne”. The last few American Girls books I’ve read were full of woke agenda and I didn’t forward them to my intended recipients. This will be happily received by my niece.
No need to recap the story as the publisher blurb and other reviews have taken care of that. What I will say is that the multi-racial family and focus on Asian food, a bit of history and racism is very timely and handled respectfully. Also timely are the winter sports of skating, skiing and search & rescue which coincide quite nicely with the Olympics.
Corinne acts quite mature for a 10 year old, IMO. There’s a lot of upheaval in her family and she’s an introspective kid but her self speak and freedom to move about town are actions I’d assign to 14-15 year olds. That issue aside, the relationship between her and sister Gwen is lovely and one that’s a great example. I’d say the same about her relationships with the adults in the story. She’s a respectful kid and even in the midst of all the change, she took care for others rather than being self centered.
With many fun threads to explore, (search & rescue dogs, skiing, skating, new restaurant), this could be an exciting new series for a good long time. The mountains of Aspen are a great location and so far, Corinne and her family are great characters.
All things considered, a good selection for 10-13 year olds with many opportunities for discussion of important events📚
I was pleasantly surprised after reading “Corinne”. The last few American Girls books I’ve read were full of woke agenda and I didn’t forward them to my intended recipients. This will be happily received by my niece.
No need to recap the story as the publisher blurb and other reviews have taken care of that. What I will say is that the multi-racial family and focus on Asian food, a bit of history and racism is very timely and handled respectfully. Also timely are the winter sports of skating, skiing and search & rescue which coincide quite nicely with the Olympics.
Corinne acts quite mature for a 10 year old, IMO. There’s a lot of upheaval in her family and she’s an introspective kid but her self speak and freedom to move about town are actions I’d assign to 14-15 year olds. That issue aside, the relationship between her and sister Gwen is lovely and one that’s a great example. I’d say the same about her relationships with the adults in the story. She’s a respectful kid and even in the midst of all the change, she took care for others rather than being self centered.
With many fun threads to explore, (search & rescue dogs, skiing, skating, new restaurant), this could be an exciting new series for a good long time. The mountains of Aspen are a great location and so far, Corinne and her family are great characters.
All things considered, a good selection for 10-13 year olds with many opportunities for discussion of important events📚
October 6, 2022
It's nice to see them branching out with topics like step-parents, and even having fun hair colors. I definitely think this was a cute story for kids to read and enjoy. I was always kind of a "one and done" girl with American Girl books, and unfortunately this one is no exception.
January 23, 2024
In the words of many Asian animal rights activists would put it:
Dogs are friends not food!
Dogs are friends not food!
February 3, 2022
Corinne and Gwynn Tan are two sisters who have to deal with their new family (their parents are divorced and moving to their stepdad's home. They also deal with racism, bullies, new skills in Aspen, Colorado, including skating and search and rescue training, old and new relationships, and their mother's new Chinese restaurant; and then Corinne gets lost on the mountain. Enjoyable and also a fascinating look at Chinese food.
February 5, 2022
Corinne is American Girl’s 2022 girl of the year. I enjoyed reading about Corinne and her little sister, Gwynn.
For the most part I enjoyed the story. Some parts more than others.
I thought the illustrations throughout the book were super cute!
For the most part I enjoyed the story. Some parts more than others.
I thought the illustrations throughout the book were super cute!
June 30, 2022
i love corinne! now that i have Adult Money, it’s going to take some serious self control to not buy this doll. she’s so cool!
January 13, 2022
This was a great book for kids. It covers many relatable issues like sibling relationships, dealing with parents' divorce and remarriage, moving into a new home, friendship, and confronting racism.
Corinne has many new changes in her life. Her mom is about to get married to a new partner, Arne. Corinne's parents are both Chinese American, but Arne is an immigrant from Sweden. He means we'll but he doesn't understand the racism that his new family faces, especially the rise in anti-Asian racism due to the coronavirus pandemic. He tries to downplay it or disbelieve that it's happening in Colorado. Later, her mom teaches her how to stand up to racist comments and Corinne tells Arne how she feels.
Corinne also worries about changes like moving into a more expensive home and her sister getting private skating lessons. She's afraid of messing things up and that her best friend, Cassidy, will think she is a snob now that her stepdad has more money. She tries to hide her feelings until they overwhelm her.
Corinne also gets a new dog and starts training in search and rescue with a professional trainer. Flurry is very cute and brings humor to the story.
The ending is particularly sweet as Corinne resolves her new mixed family and makes up with her friend. The situations are realistic for the age group (fifth grade) and so are the solutions.
Corinne has many new changes in her life. Her mom is about to get married to a new partner, Arne. Corinne's parents are both Chinese American, but Arne is an immigrant from Sweden. He means we'll but he doesn't understand the racism that his new family faces, especially the rise in anti-Asian racism due to the coronavirus pandemic. He tries to downplay it or disbelieve that it's happening in Colorado. Later, her mom teaches her how to stand up to racist comments and Corinne tells Arne how she feels.
Corinne also worries about changes like moving into a more expensive home and her sister getting private skating lessons. She's afraid of messing things up and that her best friend, Cassidy, will think she is a snob now that her stepdad has more money. She tries to hide her feelings until they overwhelm her.
Corinne also gets a new dog and starts training in search and rescue with a professional trainer. Flurry is very cute and brings humor to the story.
The ending is particularly sweet as Corinne resolves her new mixed family and makes up with her friend. The situations are realistic for the age group (fifth grade) and so are the solutions.
February 29, 2024
Corinne and Gwynn's Chinese-American parents are divorced and the sisters split their time between their parents' places (Mom in Aspen and Dad now further away). Mom is getting married soon to Swedish American, Arne, and the girls have to say goodbye to their childhood home (the one they used to live in with both Mom and Dad) and move into Arne's house. Arne is pretty wealthy, and his place is very classy compared to their old home. Corinne feels especially self conscious in having to be careful in this house that has been decorated by Arne's own interior designer.
Uncertain of where she stands in her relationship with her stepfather, Corinne also runs into people who make racist remarks such as "kungflu" and how all Chinese people are to blame for the Corona 19 virus. With this kind of racism, will Mom's new Chinese restaurant survive? To add to her troubles, Cori has been holding back from her best friend Cassidy by not being fully truthful as to how her new life with a blended family is. As Gwynn takes up figure skating lessons, Corinne starts training their new dog for search and rescue up in the mountains. However, when several distressing factors collide all at the same time, it becomes too much and Corinne just has to get away. But what happens when she gets lost in the snow and mountains?
It's been a long time since I've read any of the American Girls books and I enjoyed their first Asian-American main character. What makes it even more interesting is that her step father is Swedish-American. Issues of post pandemic racism are addressed and it was nice seeing Mom stand up for her family and Arne come to realize how he can help Corinne in dealing with it as well. When Corinne is rescued, I did end up shedding a tear seeing how the whole family ends up coming together.
Uncertain of where she stands in her relationship with her stepfather, Corinne also runs into people who make racist remarks such as "kungflu" and how all Chinese people are to blame for the Corona 19 virus. With this kind of racism, will Mom's new Chinese restaurant survive? To add to her troubles, Cori has been holding back from her best friend Cassidy by not being fully truthful as to how her new life with a blended family is. As Gwynn takes up figure skating lessons, Corinne starts training their new dog for search and rescue up in the mountains. However, when several distressing factors collide all at the same time, it becomes too much and Corinne just has to get away. But what happens when she gets lost in the snow and mountains?
It's been a long time since I've read any of the American Girls books and I enjoyed their first Asian-American main character. What makes it even more interesting is that her step father is Swedish-American. Issues of post pandemic racism are addressed and it was nice seeing Mom stand up for her family and Arne come to realize how he can help Corinne in dealing with it as well. When Corinne is rescued, I did end up shedding a tear seeing how the whole family ends up coming together.
October 3, 2024
I always enjoy the American Girl books which come with the dolls, and this is no exception. Corinne -one of the more recent girl-of-the-year characters has a fascinating family, enjoys skiing and has a little sister super into figure skating. This is a family all about winter fun. Add in a puppy and the desire to do search and rescue work with the dog and you've got an interesting setup for one very bad decision which is going to need some serious survival skills to get through.
This is an exciting book, which is oddly enough, very relatable. It's hard when your life changes and you're not the same person you were before. That this story addresses good fortune makes it unique and interesting. Not every change is bad - but it can still be really difficult. Change is change after all.
I liked this story and would like to read more books about Corinne. Well done to the author Wendy Wan-Long Shang for telling an exciting story!
This is an exciting book, which is oddly enough, very relatable. It's hard when your life changes and you're not the same person you were before. That this story addresses good fortune makes it unique and interesting. Not every change is bad - but it can still be really difficult. Change is change after all.
I liked this story and would like to read more books about Corinne. Well done to the author Wendy Wan-Long Shang for telling an exciting story!
August 11, 2022
We read Corine by Wendy Wan-Long Shang, about American Girl’s GOTY for 2022 Corine and her little sister Gwen.
Both of us really enjoyed this one! I did appreciate how COVID was mentioned, especially as it related to racism towards Asians. I did also think the discussions about family, especially as it related to divorce and stepparents were strong.
For my daughter, her favorite parts were scenes with Corinne’s little sister who was 7 like her. Also after hearing about the girls decorate their room, she asked if she could decorate her room in a similar way, painting her walls purple.
I could be wrong, but I think this is the first GOTY book I’ve read by American Girl. I loved their historical books growing up, and really appreciate that the stories they’re publishing now and just as strong as my old favorites.
4.5/5
Both of us really enjoyed this one! I did appreciate how COVID was mentioned, especially as it related to racism towards Asians. I did also think the discussions about family, especially as it related to divorce and stepparents were strong.
For my daughter, her favorite parts were scenes with Corinne’s little sister who was 7 like her. Also after hearing about the girls decorate their room, she asked if she could decorate her room in a similar way, painting her walls purple.
I could be wrong, but I think this is the first GOTY book I’ve read by American Girl. I loved their historical books growing up, and really appreciate that the stories they’re publishing now and just as strong as my old favorites.
4.5/5
July 14, 2023
I haven't read the Girl of the Year books before, usually sticking to historical lines in my project to read series that came out after I aged out of the demographic. But, Corinne Tan is both 1) American Born Chinese like me and 2) shares the same surname character (albeit the Mandarin romanization) so I'm obligated to eventually pick this up. Very well done, considering how topical this is (was not expecting references to Eileen Gu, but in hindsight not surprising given Corinne's hobby is skiing!) Really loved drawing the connection between modern day xenophobia (the "kung flu" crowd) and the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.
June 8, 2022
4.5/5 stars
This was lovely! I'm so impressed with AG's release of Corinne and her story. It addresses racism, toxic positivity, and divorce very well. It opens up the doors for kids to have these important conversations with their families.
I love the alpine setting and the sisterly bond!
My only issue was that the conflict between Corinne and her best friend Cassidy didn't seem necessary, but it was still written into the plot well.
Looking forward to the next book in Corinne's story!
This was lovely! I'm so impressed with AG's release of Corinne and her story. It addresses racism, toxic positivity, and divorce very well. It opens up the doors for kids to have these important conversations with their families.
I love the alpine setting and the sisterly bond!
My only issue was that the conflict between Corinne and her best friend Cassidy didn't seem necessary, but it was still written into the plot well.
Looking forward to the next book in Corinne's story!
February 8, 2022
Corinne, the character, is a sweetheart and that goes a long way towards overcoming the usual "talk it out" misunderstandings that crop up in these books. She's dealing with a lot of changes in her life, from her parents breaking up during the pandemic, to her mother finding a new husband and the massive lifestyle change this means for their family, to the racist dirtbags both in history and in her immediate vicinity.
One of the tropes that has always irked me has been the lack of communication one, but Corinne's inability to say what's going on in her mind/life makes sense. She's afraid that if she speaks up, she'll mess things up with her new stepfather, or she'll lose her best friend, or she'll upset her father with talk of the stepfather and how their lives are changing. It makes sense for the story and it makes sense for the character, so it works.
Also, Gwynn is adorable and must be protected at all costs, and their sisterly bond is my favorite thing.
One of the tropes that has always irked me has been the lack of communication one, but Corinne's inability to say what's going on in her mind/life makes sense. She's afraid that if she speaks up, she'll mess things up with her new stepfather, or she'll lose her best friend, or she'll upset her father with talk of the stepfather and how their lives are changing. It makes sense for the story and it makes sense for the character, so it works.
Also, Gwynn is adorable and must be protected at all costs, and their sisterly bond is my favorite thing.
July 18, 2022
really enjoyed this book! gwynn and corinne's relationship is adorable, the whole 'sister brain' bit was really cute. corinne is an interesting character, and the different topics handled throughout the book (divorce, parents getting remarried, racism, covid-19 pandemic, friendship troubles) were handled well and kept the book engaging. the setting of this book is wonderful too!! great winter read :)
January 16, 2023
I am soooo glad that Corinne has a more middle class background than her hobbies would indicate. Seeing her discomfort with her step-father felt so real, especially in terms of his reactions to the microagressions she faces in this book. Corinne is a smart, likeable older sister who gets herself into trouble because she's afraid of what she'll lose. It's highly relatable even though she never hides in the corner with a book.
October 25, 2024
Great book that hits on several important subjects all children should know and try to understand:
Divorce/Remarriage of Parents
Safety Rules When Lost
Bullying/Standing up for Self/others
Racism
Friendship and Family Love
Persistence in Achieving Goals
There are probably more. This story just touches on some of the subjects, but it will open the door for great conversations if read with an adult or in a classroom setting.
Divorce/Remarriage of Parents
Safety Rules When Lost
Bullying/Standing up for Self/others
Racism
Friendship and Family Love
Persistence in Achieving Goals
There are probably more. This story just touches on some of the subjects, but it will open the door for great conversations if read with an adult or in a classroom setting.
March 6, 2022
Cute story that shows how family can come in many different forms. Great read for kids with divorced parents. I liked that it included current events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting racism towards Asian Americans. I felt that it made both competitive ice skating and training a search and rescue dog seem a lot easier to get into than they are in reality, but hey, it's a book for kids.
May 4, 2022
A good story with one of our less common dolls of color. Set very much in our current time, with Covid topics the characters struggle with mean people outside of school. Overall, Corinne is a very kind girl who is nice to her sister and tries to obey the adults in her life. Some of AG's characters are more rebellious and I like that Corinne is a bit more of a role model, trying to find herself.
September 5, 2022
I love that Corinne's story tackles both explicit racism and microaggressions (her stepfather telling her "they didn't really mean it," people "like that" don't live around here) because as we've seen, that stuff does happen to kids and you can't gloss over it. I also thought the wilderness survival parts were definitely interesting and useful.
December 5, 2022
It was enjoyable for a kids book so it gets four stars. I wasn’t sure where the story was going though. There was a lot involved. Friendship problems, divorce, racism, family dynamics, training a search and rescue dog. In the end the climax wasn’t quite what I expected but Corinne does learn quite a lot of lessons quickly thanks to her ordeal.
January 21, 2024
This is a wonderful story that’s very age-appropriate! As an Asian-American, this showcased a lot of the issues that come up with our identity at that age. Corinne’s coming to terms with her blended family was a nice touch too. I imagine this book will help a lot of little girls process the hardships they are experiencing; it definitely would’ve helped me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2022
Yes, I, an adult man, did read this and even though I only read it because I'm from Aspen and wanted to see the Aspen references, I liked it, okay?! They got everything right down to the names of the ski runs and also the story made me feel warm inside, okay?!
September 3, 2022
Corinne is a modern American girl who deals with changing family relationships, COVID fallout, racism, and friendship issues. Reading about how she makes peace with the issues in her life is inspiring.
January 23, 2023
Really cute for a bedtime read. Beautiful illustrations, addresses racism and the realities of COVID and blended families as well as classism. Our girls loved the books and the outdoor adventures and rescue dog aspect!
April 23, 2023
reread---solid read for an american girl book. one of my favorite gotys :) lots of good memories rereading it. also i love the illustator Peijin Yang. Her art is SO GOOD!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺❤❤❤❤❤❤ i would actually buy a book of just her art
December 28, 2025
I’m just trying to make sure I’ve read through our whole shelf of AG books and was surprised by how good this one was! I was not expecting a thoughtful take on the Chinese-American experience in the age of covid.
January 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Corrine's story. Can't wait to read more about Corrine and Gywnn!
February 8, 2022
Very cute book. Corinne faces a lot of challenges and changes and does well with them.
I love her relationship with her sister.
I love her relationship with her sister.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews