FOOD STAMPS NOT INCLUDED

As with all American Girl dolls, Gwen offers what Mattel calls "valuable lessons about life." As well as marketing.

Gwen is the world's first homeless doll, although her role is focused on being a friend to Chrissa, who's bullied at school. But her story emerges: Gwen's dad ditched them, her mom lost her job and their home, and they sleep in their car.

The pop culture fan is well-splattered. Columnists rip Mattel for mocking homelessness by charging $95 for a doll who uses an armrest for a pillow. Homeless advocates murmur that fortunate families that can afford such playthings could get a clue. Others suggest that Mattel marry the thrill of capitalism to the warmth of charity.

The American Girl folks have stated that they are "disheartened that there has been any confusion over our fictional characters."

A peek at the AG website's comments suggests that however well intentioned a life lesson, a doll is always a doll: One young customer was perplexed by Gwen's lack of accessories. "I expected some outfits."