American Girl’s Newest Girl of the Year
For forty years, the beloved toy brand American Girl has connected modern-day girls with characters and stories from across American history. By combining heartfelt storytelling with dolls, the brand has made history and its characters feel relatable and meaningful.
Since its inception, American Girl has introduced girls from a variety of backgrounds and eras. From fan-favorite Molly, who lived through World War II, to Kit from the Great Depression, and even twin sisters Nicki and Isabel navigating the turn of the millennium, each character has left a lasting impact.
Despite the historical differences, these characters have become beloved for the timeless themes in their stories. As we see in our own lives, while circumstances may change, the fundamental experiences of growing up — friendship, family, and self-discovery — remain constant.
While the series is rooted in historical storytelling, American Girl also emphasizes the present through its Girl of the Year Collection. This annual, limited-edition series introduces a new contemporary character whose story, personality, and style resonate with today’s fans. Each release is celebrated with excitement, but 2026’s Girl of the Year brings something extra special.
For the first time, American Girl has introduced a modern character who is a blood relative of one of the brand’s original historical dolls. Past meets present with the introduction of Raquel Reyes, the 2026 Girl of the Year and a descendant of the cherished Samantha Parkington.
Here is what the official press release states:
Inspired by her great-great-grandmother, American Girl original historical character Samantha Parkington, Raquel’s story blends heritage and compassion to celebrate family, empathy, and the timeless power of kindness
Today, American Girl, a cornerstone in Mattel’s (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, revealed its 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes. A descendant of beloved original historic character, Samantha Parkington, Raquel continues a legacy of compassion and perseverance that has inspired generations of American Girl fans. She joins the brand’s line of contemporary characters that represent a wide range of backgrounds and interests, reflecting what it means to be an American girl today. This year’s Girl of the Year character offers young fans a role model whose courage and kindness inspire meaningful connections with family, friends, and community.
Debuting during the 25th year of the Girl of the Year series, Raquel truly bridges the past and present for generations of fans, ushering in a new era of storytelling just as American Girl prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.
Growing up in Kansas City, ten-year-old Raquel helps her parents run their colorful paleta shop while spending time with her little brother and rescue pup, Luzita. Raquel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including learning to play pickleball, going to the beach, DJing, discovering fascinating facts about dolphins and rescue efforts, and much more. Her heritage reflects a rich blend of cultures: her father is of Mexican American descent, and her mother is a direct descendant of original historic character Samantha Parkington, who lived in the early 1900s during the height of the Industrial Revolution and the women’s suffrage movement. In Raquel’s story, she and her family travel to coastal New England for a summer reunion and wedding. She’s excited to share her love of music and paletas with her mom’s side of the family and renew her bond with her older cousin, Sloan. Raquel’s surprised when Sloan seems distant, reflecting on her adoption and the questions of identity and belonging it brings. When Raquel finds her great-great-grandmother Samantha’s childhood diary in her family’s attic, she learns that Samantha once explored many of the same questions around adoption. It reminds her that family is not just about ancestry, but about love, support, and shared experiences. As she helps Sloan open up, Raquel shows compassion and discovers she has the power to strengthen family bonds and bring people closer together.
“Kindness is a key trait parents want to instill in their children, and it’s at the heart of Raquel’s story,” said Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “Just as our beloved American Girl historical character Samantha Parkington inspired generations with her compassion and courage, Raquel continues that legacy for today’s girls. Through Raquel’s story, we hope kids see that they, too, can make a positive difference in the lives of others, starting with the people closest to them.”
Raquel’s journey is told through an illustrated journal included with the doll, as well as a full-length novel, Raquel Saves the Wedding (available November 2025), written by award-winning author Angela Cervantes. Like Raquel, Cervantes is half Mexican American and lives in Kansas City. To ensure Raquel’s story is authentic and meaningful, American Girl also collaborated with cultural and subject-matter experts, including Dr. Diana Leon-Boys, a scholar of Latina girlhood; Nicole Davi, Director of Research at the National Council for Adoption; and Dr. Sarah Sharp, a marine veterinarian with the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
“It was an absolute joy to create Raquel Reyes as the American Girl 2026 Girl of the Year,” said Angela Cervantes, author of Raquel’s journal and novel. “From the start, I was a huge fan of Samantha Parkington, and having the chance to write her great-great-granddaughter’s story was a true honor. What makes Raquel especially special to me is that she’s from my home, Kansas City, and that she carries Samantha’s legacy forward while showing that being true to yourself and staying connected to your family and roots is a source of strength.”
The 2026 Girl of the Year character comes to life in a beautiful 18-inch Raquel™ doll, featuring light brown eyes and brown hair styled in a half-updo with a bow hair tie. She arrives in a gingham top and skirt, platform shoes with bow details, and a bow cuff bracelet – paying tribute to Samantha Parkington’s signature plaid style. Raquel’s product collection also includes:
- Accessories: A tote bag, ombre sunglasses, and cell phone set and more
- Heritage-Inspired Keepsakes: Samantha’s photographs, recipes, and a gold necklace that mirrors her locket.
- Fashion & Play Sets: A Pickleball Outfit and Bag & Paddle Set, matching Coastal Stripes Pajamas for girls and dolls, and Raquel’s Seaside Car with plenty of storage for beach adventures.
To celebrate Raquel and her message, American Girl is donating books to children through its longstanding partnership with Save the Children. Valued at over $100,000 retail, this donation will help provide resources and inspiration to children in underserved communities in rural America, ensuring more young readers can experience the power of storytelling, literacy, and play.
Fans can further explore Raquel’s inspiring world through the following activities:
- Retail experience: Visit an American Girl retail store near you to shop Raquel’s collection, enjoy themed girl and doll salon styles, special Girl of the Year events, Raquel-inspired menu items, and more.
- Digital content: Experience Raquel’s exciting debut by tuning in to the official music video for “Family Forever” on YouTube and YouTube Kids Channel. The single is also available to stream on all major music platforms beginning September 19th.
The 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes, collection is available starting today, September 17, 2025, at americangirl.com, at American Girl retail stores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-845-0005. Raquel’s debut is one of several ways American Girl will celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary year in 2026, honoring four decades of inspiring stories, characters, and connections with fans of all ages.