The fictitious world can be a harsh place. Beloved American Girl Samantha Parkington, star of several AG books and innumerable childhood fantasies, is being “archived,” a euphemism for retired, back burnered or “gone to the great doll heaven in the sky.” Samantha learns a lesson and gets a surprise, all right. We are bereft … and more than a little suspicious that this is just a way to get people to buy the doll, taffeta holiday skirt and velveteen coat right this minute, before it’s too late. Sigh. Oh well, as long as they don’t touch Kirsten, I guess we’re OK.

Meanwhile, AG is collecting Samantha stories from young fans. Follow the link and add yours. Or click “comments” and share your Samantha grief right here. We’ll understand…