Little girls everywhere love their American Girl dolls, and boy does Rachael have a big surprise for them. She's revealing the new American Girl doll of 2007!

But first, Julia Prohaska of American Girl explains the origin of this phenomenon.

"It all started 20 years ago," she says, "with a series of historical characters, like Felicity, Kaya, Addy and Samantha. They represent different periods in American history. Their stories are told through a series of six books, these beautiful dolls and an entire world of products. "They're intented to not only teach girls about American history which is so important, but more subtly woven in are some really important life lessons about what it takes to be a person of good character."

Then it's time for the grand unveiling of the 2007 new American Girl of the Year.

[Meet Nicki][2]

Inspired by Nicki, the new American Girl Doll of the Year for 2007, the American Girl company created the Real Girl of the Year contest to celebrate the enormous contributions young girls are making to better the world. Bailey, Madison and Ellen were chosen as the Girls of the Year from over 14,000 entries!

Eleven-year-old Bailey started her own organization, Hero Hugs, to honor and support the military men and women. Hero Hugs has shipped over 21,000 care packages to U.S. soldiers serving overseas.

After being diagnosed with type I diabetes at the age of 5, Madison began a tireless crusade to find a cure. Now, 11, Madison serves as an Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association and is even involved in outreach by creating care packages, spending time and sharing her story with others who are newly diagnosed with the disease. Inspired by a trip to the local homeless shelter, Ellen, age 12, created "Ellen's Excellent Sale" and recruited local business, friends and families to donate items to sell with all profits going to the local shelter. Ellen even has her friends volunteering by creating cards for the shelter residents during the holidays, and putting together a "Kid's Shop" for children of shelter residents so they can pick out gifts to give their families.

These real girls are making some really big contributions to their communities and the world at large. Do you want to create a difference of your own? Check out Rachael's new not-for-profit organization, Yum-o! to learn how you can start making a change right in your own home!