An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win Available on Amazon Video

This post has been sponsored by KidzVuz on behalf of Amazon Studios

One of the things I love most about American Girl is that each doll tells a story. My daughters have a Melody doll and she comes with a pin Equal Rights in ’63. We talked about it and I spoke about how life was different with segregated schools, restaurants and many other places. But, as much as it is important to discuss and talk about it, I do not think that children truly comprehend what that means. At least for my 6 year old and 10 year old.

We had the opportunity to view An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win and I realized that although we had talked about it, watching segregation happen brings out emotions especially when it is a child.

The movie starts right away explaining what is happening in the world. Based in 1963 Detroit during the civil rights movement, the special centers around 10-year- old Melody whose eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing.

I found the movie to be on a very important topic with a very timely message. Although 1963, it seems like the message of the film is still needed today.

Her mom explains that Civil Rights is for the right to go as far as their dreams can take them.

At one point, we witness a group of students being just awful towards Melody. At another moment, Melody is in a clothing store and is accused of stealing a dress. As you watch, you know that this is not the case at all. I could tell my girls were getting upset at the scene so we paused and talked about it. We talked about how sometimes it is ok to feel sad and hurt to understand the past and make the future better.

I love the message that this special leaves us with – “Fear brings out the worst in us but love brings out the best.”

In the film, Melody learns that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.” As a teacher, there were times where I felt frustrated watching the movie seeing how Melody was treated but was so happy to see how the special ends when Melody’s teacher shows what the word “indivisible” in the Pledge of Allegiance truly means. I don’t want to tell you more and ruin the end for you but I can tell you that I was sobbing in a good way.