Behind The Scenes Facts of American Girl's 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes

Here's some behind the scenes facts of the 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes!

• The gingham and bows included in Raquel’s main outfit are inspired by Samantha’s signature look.

• Like Raquel, author Angela Cervantes’s heritage is half Mexican American.

• To create Raquel’s character, American Girl editors and product designers worked with Nicole Davi, Director of Research at the National Council for Adoption; Dr. Diana Leon-Boys, leading scholar of Latina girlhood and an expert in Latina girls’ media studies; and Dr. Sarah Sharp, marine veterinarian who leads a dolphin rescue and rehabilitation program.

• Author Angela Cervantes also wrote the American Girl book Maritza: Lead with Your Heart (World by Us).

• Raquel’s story teaches girls that family can come in many forms—it’s about love, connection, and showing up for one another. Raquel shows readers that family history shapes who you are, but it’s the relationships you nurture that truly define your bonds.

• Raquel is proud of her mixed family heritage. Her father is Mexican American, and her mother is a descendant of Samantha Parkington. At the family reunion and wedding on her mom’s side of the family, Raquel is eager to share traditions from her father’s side, like paletas and music.

• When Raquel and her cousin discover a stranded mother dolphin and her calf on the beach, they learn the importance of taking action to help those in need. Raquel’s story teaches young readers that every life matters and that they too can make a difference when it comes to caring for animals.