Jess is the American Girl doll of the year. She's 18 inches tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes and loose braids. She loves archaeology and can't wait to explore Belize with her parents.

Accompanying Jess is her own paperback book. In it, readers can follow the adventures of Jess as she and her parents spend five months at an archeological dig of ancient Maya ruins in Belize. It's Jess's first time out of the United States. It's her first time being home-schooled. And it's her first trip without her older brother and sister to keep her company. But Jess is excited to explore a new place all on her own. She's ready for adventure and anxious to discover just who Jess is.