The Past and Present Unite with the Debut of Raquel Reyes – American Girl 2026 Girl of the Year

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.

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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.