Sonali is at least part South Asian, as her mother's parents are from India. Originally, she is part of the Queen Bees (which the rest of the class calls the Mean Bees) along with Tara and Jadyn. She knew Tara from preschool and Tara is her best friend. At the start of the book she seems to be uncomfortable with the Bees' treatment towards Chrissa and Gwen and becomes progressively more disturbed with their actions. Soon after Tara maliciously cuts off Gwen's bangs, Sonali leaves the Queen Bees. Near the end of Chrissa, she asks for forgiveness from Gwen Thompson for not speaking up and becomes a full friend to Chrissa and Gwen.
Sonali appears to come from an upper-class family; her mother is a realtor and her father's profession is unknown, although in one scene his attire seems to match that of a businessman. ("well-groomed fingernails" and tie). In the book Chrissa, Sonali has two older sisters, both in college. Sonali's mother disapproves of her activities with the other Bees, making her return the valentines she stole from Chrissa and grounding her for a week. The first time she appears to be proud of Sonali is when she becomes friends with Chrissa and Gwen.
Sonali has a dog named "Tofu" who likes to eat toilet paper rolls.
She is also quite smart; in the movie, Tara implores Sonali to come over to help her with homework.
Like Chrissa Maxwell, Sonali is on the swimming and diving teams. She does the backstroke on the relay team. Chrissa also teaches her how to knit after Sonali admires Chrissa's scarf.
Sonali Matthews is a companion to the seventh Girl of the Year, Chrissa Maxwell. She was released and retired by the American Girl Doll company in 2009.
