By Gavin Boyle
American Girl wants to recapture the generation who first loved the iconic brand through the release of a new book later this year written specifically for adult readers that continues Samantha’s story.
“Adult fans can continue Samantha Parkington’s story in this historical-fiction novel set in 1920 New York City,” a description of the upcoming novel, titled Samantha: The Next Chapter, reads. “Now 25 years old, Samantha is working hard to educate women in New York about suffrage and encourage them to vote in their first presidential election that fall. But when Samantha’s large inheritance, including her childhood Mount Bedford home, is stolen in a shocking scheme, she goes from socialite to shop girl overnight and experiences a very different side of New York City living in a boarding house.”
“Searching for clues regarding the theft of her inheritance, she infiltrates the business of a notorious criminal in New York City,” the description continues. “Determined as ever, Samatha will do whatever it takes to find answers and save her family’s legacy.”
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Fans gushed with excitement about the announcement, and many hoped that more novels of this type would come in the future. The cover of the book denotes it as a “An American Girl Legacy Novel,” which suggests that it may be the start of a new series of adult novels to come.
The American Girl brand turns 40 this year, and it has played a major role of millions of girls lives since its beginning. While giving girls a fun toy to play with, the brand also teaches them important life lessons and history that they can engage with when they play with the dolls on their own.
“Every doll comes with a history, a life lesson, and a world girls can explore at their own pace,” explained Best Product’s Cat Bowen. “Samantha tapped into Victorian perseverance. Addy embodied bravery. Felicity represented the pushback of a young nation — and of the girls who refused to conform. Today, the company continues to introduce new characters with modern struggles, yet each one still embodies the same sense of personal agency and empathy.”
The release of the new Samantha novel is one of several ways the company plans to celebrate its fortieth year. Samantha is also expected to receive a modern version of her classic outfit, alongside Felicity and Josefina. The company has also announced its plans to donate over $100,000 in books to children through a partnership with Save the Children.
As the dolls enter into their fortieth year, it is encouraging that they remain as popular as ever and continue to inspire young girls while teaching them about important moments in history. Meanwhile, adult fans can get excited to revisit the characters of their childhood. The new Samantha novel releases on Oct. 13, 2026.
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