Meet Raquel Reyes: American Girl's 2026 Girl of the Year with a Powerful Heritage Story
American Girl introduced its 2026 Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes, a ten-year-old girl with mixed Mexican American heritage from Kansas City, Missouri. Raquel's story revolves around her discovery of her great-great-grandmother Samantha Parkington's diary during a family reunion on the East Coast. The diary, dating back to 1906, touches on themes of fairness, women's suffrage, and standing up for what is right, forming a significant connection between Raquel and Samantha.
Raquel is depicted as a paleta maker, pickleball player, dolphin saver, and dance-party DJ, embodying values of family, heritage, and animal advocacy. American Girl emphasized that Raquel's character encourages young readers to explore these values through her story. The release of Raquel's collection was accompanied by in-store experiences at American Girl retail locations and the premiere of the song "Family Forever" on various streaming platforms.
The 2026 Girl of the Year series marks the 25th year of the program, with Raquel Reyes being the latest addition. The timing of Raquel's debut during Hispanic Heritage Month has sparked cultural discussions, especially in the context of ongoing national debates surrounding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Despite not directly commenting on political matters, American Girl's choice to introduce Raquel at this time has resonated with many.
The Raquel Reyes collection, designed for children aged 6 and above, includes the doll, story-driven outfits, a vintage-inspired convertible, paleta-themed accessories, and the illustrated paperback "The Diary of Raquel Reyes." American Girl has made the collection available for purchase online and at retail stores across the country.