American Girl Doll News

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--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.

People shared this press release about the new Girl of the Year, Raquel!   American Girl  has a very special Girl of the Year! PEOPLE can exclusively share that the 2026 Girl of the Year is Raquel Reyes! Raquel's mom is a direct descendant of American Girl OG Samantha Parkington. That background, combined with her Mexican American heritage from her dad, makes a fascinating character that is sure to be adored. Raquel, 10, lives in Kansas City, where her parents run a shop that sells paletas. Raquel has a little brother and a Pomeranian rescue named Luzita. While attending a family reunion in New England, she visits Mount Bedford, where her great-great-grandmother, Samantha Parkington, lived as a girl and she discovers Samantha’s diary. A journaler herself, Raquel writes about her family travels, DJing in a talent show, playing pickleball and getting ready for a family wedding. She also discusses her passion for animal rescue, describing the time she and her cousin helped save a stranded dolphin and her calf. Samantha was among the dolls brought back in honor of the brand's 35th anniversary in 2021. Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel, tells PEOPLE that it was important to honor American Girl's origins as they celebrated the latest Girl of the Year. "By linking Raquel – Samantha Parkington’s great-great-granddaughter – to a beloved original, we’re expanding both characters’ worlds: Samantha’s legacy gains new chapters through Raquel’s eyes, and Raquel’s contemporary story gains depth and historical context. That connection makes the American Girl universe feel more interconnected, with threads that cross eras and families," she shares. "When Raquel discovers Samantha’s childhood diary, girls see how courage, kindness and advocacy echo across generations. For longtime fans, it’s a welcome dose of nostalgia. For new fans, it’s a fresh on-ramp to a classic. Heritage isn’t only where you come from, it’s what you carry into your family, friendships and the bonds and community you build." Dr. Diana Leon-Boys, a leading scholar of Latina girlhood and an expert in Latina girls’ media studies, tells PEOPLE how "significant" Raquel's ties to Samantha are for Latina representation. "Raquel is directly linked to Samantha Parkington, one of American Girl’s original characters. That placement tells Latina girls that they belong at the heart of American stories across time. It supports identity and belonging by showing a modern heroine whose courage and kindness are part of a multigenerational legacy," she shares. "Media often conflates Latinidad with Latin Americanness and not within the context of the U.S. Raquel's story demonstrates that Latinas are part of the fabric of this country. They do things like DJ and work on their ice cream recipes. Further, as the years go by, this country's multi-ethnic and multi-racial population continues to grow, and Raquel (and her family) are a great representation of this."  Dr. Leon-Boys says the character's "authenticity" further connects her to Samantha and the overall American Girl experience. "Raquel’s Kansas City life – helping at her family’s paleta shop, sharing music and traditions with relatives and keeping close family rituals – grounds her identity in lived experience. Those specifics sit alongside her discovery of Samantha’s diary, where Raquel engages themes that Samantha also faced – like adoption and advocacy – showing how cultural pride and historical awareness can strengthen each other across generations."  Cygielman and the American Girl team are hopeful that Raquel's story will be another that helps kids connect with history. "At American Girl, we design our stories so lessons travel over time and transcend generations. In Raquel’s case, everyday moments – helping at her family’s paleta shop in Kansas City, supporting a cousin who’s sorting through where she fits in as she navigates the complexities of adoption and advocating for animal rescue – intersect with Samantha’s world through an uncovered diary," she shares. "Girls see that empathy, being kind and speaking up mattered then and still matter now. The years may change, but the questions of who we are, where we belong, and how we use our voice persist. Encouraging girls to learn about history gives them perspective and agency today, and when they see kindness modeled in both eras, which is the very trait parents most want to instill, it moves from a page in a book to a practice in their lives." Cygielman adds, "As we approach our 40th anniversary in 2026, we’re energized to expand on what defines the legacy of American Girl – creating beloved characters, from a wide range of eras and backgrounds, that inspire children with courage, confidence and strength of character."  "Just as important, kids should see themselves in our storytelling – and also discover lives and cultures different from their own to build empathy and a broader worldview. We are dedicated to creating contemporary and historical characters that reflect the multidimensionality of girls today and for the next 40 years and beyond."

Every year, an advisory board helps to create the Girl of the Year, and 2026's doll, Raquel, is no different! Here is her advisory board: Nicole Davi  is the Director of Research at the National Council for Adoption. There, she studies adoption issues to help enhance public understanding of adoption and support advocacy for better adoption laws and policies. Dr. Diana Leon-Boys  is a leading scholar of Latina girlhood and an expert in Latina girls’ media studies. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her scholarship on Latina girls in the media looks at issues of representation, production, and audiences. Dr. Sarah Sharp  is a marine veterinarian. She proved that after stranded dolphins are treated and released, they can survive and thrive in the wild. She works for the International Fund for Animal Welfare on Cape Cod, where she leads the veterinary program for dolphin rescue and rehabilitation.

Here's an interview American Girl conducted with Angela Cervantes, the author of Raquel's journal and novel! What was it like creating Raquel? It was an absolute joy. I am a huge fan of Samantha Parkington and having the chance to write her great-great-granddaughter’s story was a true honor. I wanted Raquel’s story to celebrate family, heritage, and the courage it takes for a young girl to find her voice. it was fun to create a character who is curious, creative, and full of heart. As I wrote, I drew on my own experiences growing up in a lively Mexican American and mixed-heritage home that came together every summer for a family reunion. What would you like readers to know about Raquel? Raquel loves her family, and she’s curious about her ancestry and who came before her. As she learns about her great-great-grandmother Samantha, she immediately feels a connection. Just like Samantha, Raquel is curious, adventurous, and not shy about using her voice and actions to speak out for herself and others. Although Raquel may not always do it the right way, she’s learning. What’s your favorite part about Raquel’s story? I love how Raquel is true to herself but also stays connected to her family. She knows that her roots are a source of strength. My hope is that readers see a little of themselves in Raquel, whether it’s in her love of family or her journey to take the mic and get people dancing to a new tune!

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.

"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!

American Girl just posted a commercial for the 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes! It is on their website, but it will also probably be on YouTube and kids TV channels. (Miraculous comes back next week - I'll let you know if I see any Raquel commercials when I'm watching it!)

The 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes, was just revealed on Good Morning America! Here’s some snapshots I got from the reveal: The hosts talked about

Here's a peek into Raquel's journal, which will come with all Raquel dolls! "Raquel shares her passion for music and family history, reconnects with her relatives, and springs into action with her cousin Sloan for an important rescue mission." The journal is written by Angela Cervantes, who wrote Maritza: Lead With Your Heart.

Here are some tidbits from Raquel Reyes's story from American Girl's collection descriptions: "Raquel Reyes™ loves DJing, taste-testing paletas at her family’s shop in Kansas City, and spending time with her lovable rescue pup, Luzita™. For the summer, she’s heading to the East Coast for a big family reunion and wedding. Amid the fun-in-the-sun days with her cousins, she encounters a few surprises—including her great-great-grandmother’s diary." "Raquel Reyes™ totes around these accessories while visiting the East Coast, where she learns more about her family, including great-great-grandmother Samantha Parkington™." "This cool vintage-style car lets Raquel Reyes™ feel the ocean breeze as she cruises with her cousin crew during her family’s beach vacation." "Raquel Reyes™ learns how to play pickleball in Mount Bedford with the help of her relatives. Her cousin Sloan picks out this outfit for her to wear when they play." "Raquel Reyes™ tries pickleball for the first time on vacation and later DJs at a pickleball tournament." "Raquel’s rescue pup, Luzita, is the official taste-tester of the dog-friendly flavors at her family's paleta shop." "Raquel Reyes™ is excited for her cousin Harper’s wedding as she gets ready at this vintage-inspired vanity in her great-great-grandmother Samantha’s old bedroom." "At the family reunion talent show, Raquel Reyes™ wears this dress as she showcases her special talent as a DJ." "Raquel Reyes™ is ready for seaside fun in this outfit she wears to a family reunion held at a beach house." "Raquel Reyes™ can’t wait to lounge at the beach, barbecue, and bond with her cousins while on her seaside vacation." "Raquel Reyes™ introduces her East Coast cousins to paletas, a frozen Mexican treat—like the ones her family’s shop in Kansas City is famous for." "When Raquel Reyes™ travels to the East Coast for a family reunion, she hopes to see her favorite animal—dolphins! She and her cousin Sloan spot a mama and baby dolphin while on the beach." "This all-in-one gift set brings Raquel’s story to life for hours of imaginative play! Whether she’s playing with her rescue pup, taste-testing her family’s paletas  (Mexican frozen treats), or exploring East Coast beaches, it’s “shore” to be a summer to remember." "Raquel is spending her summer on the East Coast for a big family reunion and wedding. It’s bound to be a summer full of seashells, stories…and a few surprises."

It's Girl of the Year release day! Girl of the Year 2026, Raquel Reyes, is now available on American Girl's website - here's her collection! "Raquel Reyes loves DJing, taste-testing paletas at her family’s shop in Kansas City, and spending time with her lovable rescue pup, Luzita™. For the summer, she’s heading to the East Coast for a big family reunion and wedding. Amid the fun-in-the-sun days with her cousins, she encounters a few surprises—including her great-great-grandmother’s diary. Enjoy hours of play with our 2026 Girl of the Year™, Raquel, an American Girl 18-inch doll with brown eyes and dark-brown hair." The Raquel doll, book, and journal costs $135. Raquel's accessories feature a chain necklace, diary, recipe cards, tote bags, sunglasses and cell phone. They cost $34. Raquel's big ticket item is her Seaside Car, which costs $275. Raquel's Piney Point Pickleball Outfit is $42. Raquel's Pickleball Bag and Paddle Set costs $42. Raquel's dog, Luzita, is $42. Raquel's Costal Stripes Pajamas are $30. Raquel's Vintage Vanity is $135. Raquel's Beach Party Dress is $42. Raquel's Beach Outfit is $42. Raquel's Beach Chairs and Barbecue Set is $75. Raquel's Summertime Treats Set is $44. Raquel's Dolphin Duo is $32.

The new Girl of the Year is almost here! Girl of the Year 2026's launch event will be a brunch on September 20th at American Girl stores nationwide. Deducing this from the day of the week Summer and Lila's launches took place on, this means Raquel will either launch on September 17th or September 18th. I'm assuming September 18th because Summer launched on a Thursday last year, but we will have to wait and see! This is our first look at her theme! It really reminds me of Samantha - what do you all think?