Meet the American Girl 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes!

"Raquel Reyes is a 10-year-old girl living in Kansas City, Missouri, with her family. Her dad is Mexican American and her family owns the best paleta shop in the city, Paleta-Palooza. Every year on the first day of summer the shop introduces two new flavors, drawing long lines of customers. Raquel is learning how to DJ and will be bringing “la música” to the event.

Raquel is also excited but nervous about her summer plans—visiting family on the East Coast and attending a family wedding. She’s most looking forward to becoming closer to her cousin Sloan, who is just a year older. But when Sloan starts acting distant, Raquel is determined to figure out what’s wrong. With the help of a long-lost family diary, an unexpected animal rescue, and a whole lot of heart, Raquel discovers that family isn’t just about history—it’s about showing up for the people who need you most."

Raquel's parents are named Leo and Julia Reyes, her 7 year old brother is named Sol, her 11 year old cousin is named Sloan, her oldest cousin is named Harper, with a fiance named Jordan, her other cousin is named Liam, her grandma on her mom's side is named Meg, and her abuela on her dad's side is named Rosie. And of course - Samantha is her great-great-grandmother!