Who is Mel Hammond? Author defends American Girl book, claims it helped children ‘learn to love themselves’

ALSO READ

'Time to protect children': Calls to boycott American Girl grow as parents warned of gender transition book

Who owns American Girl? Doll brand accused of teaching children how to change their gender in new book

Who is Mel Hammond?

Mel Hammond is a resident of Wisconsin who works as a Content Development Editor with American girl. According to her LinkedIn profile, She is an English Language and Literature postgraduate from Kansas State University specializing in children's literature. Mel has secured her graduation in English from Hollins University. The controversial author began her career in communication as an Art Studio Intern with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

She has also interned with Gagliardi Gallery as a Public Relations Intern and later also interned with College Prowler as a writing intern. Meanwhile, Mel worked as a Writing Tutor with Hollins University Writing Center. Her major responsibility as a tutor included tutoring 8 to 10 college students per week to improve their writing skills. She has also rendered her service as a graduate teaching assistant and editing intern at Kansas State University.

Her first full-time writer role was at a software development company called, Epic in Wisconsin, where she worked for nearly three years and later joined American Girl. Mel has composed three books for the organization. Her other books include, 'Love The Earth, Understanding climate change, speaking up for solutions, and living an earth-friendly life' and 'Pets, Getting Them, Caring for Them, and Loving Them'.

The writer describes working for American Girl as "pretty much the best job in the world." on her website. She describes her favorite things, including trees, rainbows, and dairy-free ice cream. While promoting her previous book, 'Love The Earth', on her Instagram handle, she stated, "I think it’s important to advocate for new legislation that can make a difference, so I send emails to my state representatives when there’s a new environmental law up for consideration." However, it is to be noted that she has not done any promotional activities on her Instagram handle for her recent controversial book except for a single post, reports Daily Mail. She stated, "This book helps kids learn to love themselves, appreciate the amazing things their bodies can do, and treat all types of bodies with respect," adding, "It’s a book I would’ve loved to read as a kid!" 

During an American Girl Doll News interview, she said, "I love educating people about the climate crisis, which is why this book was so much fun to write. I enjoy talking about climate change issues and sharing this book with neighbors, friends, and family. I think it’s important to advocate for new legislation that can make a difference, so I send emails to my state representatives when there’s a new environmental law up for consideration. "

Further, she added,  "As for everyday actions, I love riding my bike instead of driving whenever I can. It’s so much fun, and I’m lucky to live in a city with plenty of great bike paths. I also like to compost. My neighbors and I collect our food waste in a common area, where it eventually turns into new soil. I don’t like gardening, but I’m so glad that they do! They use the soil to grow delicious veggies, which they share with me." The author also claimed during the interview, "I never had an American Girl doll of my own, but I knew from a young age how special they were."