American Girl revealed its 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes, a ten-year-old of mixed Mexican American heritage from Kansas City, Missouri, on September 17, 2025, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month. The announcement also came as the company prepares to mark its 40th anniversary.

Raquel’s story follows her summer journey to the East Coast for a family reunion, during which she discovers the diary of her great-great-grandmother, Samantha Parkington, a historical American Girl character. The diary, dating to 1906, contains entries on fairness, women’s suffrage, and standing up for what is right. American Girl noted that the connection between Raquel and Samantha is central to her story.

The company said Raquel is a paleta maker, pickleball player, dolphin saver, and dance-party DJ. H

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