For four decades, the beloved American Girl dolls and the stories that come with them have stood the test of time. In fact, if I think back, American Girl books, historical dolls, and even the American Girl magazine probably started my obsession with historical fiction (The American Girl historical novels-to-Kristin Hannah pipeline is real for me). I loved reading about Samantha, Kirsten, Molly, Addy, and Felicity’s adventures as a kid, imagining my 10-year-old self in those time periods. So when American Girl announced they were releasing their first-ever adult historical fiction novel based on Samantha Parkington, Samantha: The Next Chapter, I knew I’d be picking it up (and was even able to receive an advance copy).
The debut of Samantha: The Next Chapter, available now, October 13, 2026, is just one of the many ways the brand is celebrating American Girl’s 40th anniversary in 2026. Earlier this year, the company re-released all eight iconic American Girl 18-inch historical dolls—Addy Walker, Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Kaya, Kit Kittredge, Molly McIntire, and Samantha Parkington—bundled with their signature outfits, accessories, and a book. It was peak nostalgia for millennials who, like me, might be introducing their kids to American Girl for the first time.
But Samantha: The Next Chapter is for the grown-up fans. Here’s everything to know about the new novel and my thoughts after reading American Girl’s first foray into adult fiction.
You May Also Like:
- If You Grew Up on American Girl Historical Books, These Novels Are Your Next Reads
- American Girl Halloween Costumes for Adults & Kids: Shop Our Favorites, From Molly to Melody
What is Samantha: The Next Chapter about?
Millennials might remember meeting Samantha—a 9-year-old orphan taken in by her wealthy grandmother, Grandmary—in books like Samantha: An American Girl, Samantha’s Surprise: A Christmas Story, and more. In the new novel, Samantha has grown up and is a 25-year-old suffragist and teacher staying with Grandmary for the summer. It’s 1920; the 19th Amendment has just been ratified, and Samantha is helping to get women to the polls for the first time before she plans to go back to school to pursue a higher degree in education. But all is derailed when she discovers that her inheritance and her gorgeous Victorian home have been stolen in a scheme. Driven to do right by her family and secure her own future, Samantha sets out to uncover the truth.
Yes, the hardcover book really does have Samantha’s signature gingham on the pages!
Mattel, Inc. tapped New York Times bestselling historical fiction novelist Fiona Davis to pen the first adult American Girl book. The author’s past work includes The Lions of Fifth Avenue and The Address, with a list of titles and short stories behind her name. Davis said she saw writing the novel as “an opportunity to honor Pleasant Rowland (creator of the American Girl brand) for the love of history she instilled in so many children.” The author hoped that readers would feel like they’re “reconnecting with a childhood friend, from the sweet nostalgia of shared adventures to the mutual wonder at the women you’ve become.”
Which characters from the original American Girl book series are in the new novel?
The characters you’ll meet again and remember from the original Samantha historical books include:
- Grandmary
- Uncle Gard
- Aunt Cornelia
- Agatha, one of Aunt Cornelia’s sisters, twin to Agnes
The book briefly mentions other characters, such as Aunt Cornelia’s other sisters, Alice and Agnes, as well as the Admiral (Grandmary’s beau) and Nellie (the neighbor’s servant whom Samantha befriended and who is eventually adopted by Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia). But Grandmary, Uncle Gard, Aunt Cornelia, and Agatha are more developed characters in Samantha: The Next Chapter.
Book Review of Samantha: The Next Chapter
Nostalgic nods to the original stories
The first few chapters of Samantha: The Next Chapter are rich with nostalgia and sparked memories from the original novels I read as a kid that I hadn’t thought about in decades. But don’t fret if you don’t remember the details of the original books; Davis gives enough context to the story. The anecdotes are more like winks to the reader, although I did find myself wondering when the action in the book was going to begin. For me, chapter four was when the story started to pick up, and I then finished the book within a weekend.
Exploring life as a working-class gal
Without any spoilers, after Samantha uncovers the scheme behind her lost inheritance, she heads to New York City in search of answers, but finds herself without money or a place to stay: quite the fall from her cushioned upbringing. She connects with Agatha, an aspiring Broadway actress, who is living in a women’s boarding house. Samantha gets a job as a shop girl to make money, sleuthing on the side.
Tiptoeing into courtship
Unlike the children’s novels, in The Next Chapter we get a couple of love interests for Samantha. Ricky, an old acquaintance from Mount Bedford and Piney Point, who now lives in the city. And Tommy, a complex guy with interests in philosophy. That is, when he’s not acting as muscle for the man Samantha suspects is behind her lost inheritance. But don’t expect anything improper to transpire (what would Grandmary say?) This book has a spice level of zero.
What was missing for me
The story gives some interesting context to the 1920s time period—Prohibition, the suffragist movement, female job opportunities at the time—but so much of the story stays at the surface level. If you’re expecting to be emotionally moved by the gritty, hard-knock life of the working class in 1920s New York, you might feel let down. Not that the original historical books went that deep, but younger me was very affected by Nellie’s factory work as a child laborer in Samantha Learns a Lesson.
The 1920s issues faced by Samantha and the characters she meets felt a little thin until I read the “Looking Back 1920s” section at the back of the book. Like in the original American Girl novels, Samantha: The Next Chapter includes additional information about the time period and how events of the time connect to her story. I’ll admit, I was hoping American Girl would include a section like this and only wish it had some photos from the 1920s like the original historical novels.
Is Samantha: The Next Chapter worth reading?
Overall, I found Samantha: The Next Chapter to be a light, fun, and nostalgic novel, even if it didn’t deliver on a strong emotional reaction or a historical lesson. If Samantha was your American doll, or you fondly remember the historical novels from childhood, it’s worth reading.
Other new books about American Girl
While a second adult novel hasn’t been announced yet, these two new books are available for readers excited to dive into the history of the beloved brand.
Described as a “love letter” to American Girl, Fitzsimmons explores the founding of the iconic brand by Pleasant Rowland and how it became a cultural touchstone for girlhood.
A gorgeous coffee table book filled with treasures from the archives of the American Girl brand.
FAQs About Samantha: The Next Chapter
Who was the first American Girl doll?
Samantha Parkington was among the first three American Girl historical dolls, including Kirsten Larson and Molly McIntire, launched in 1986.
Do I need to remember what happened in the original Samantha books?
No, the book stands on its own, but author Fiona Davis does include several references to events that happened in the original six Samantha historical novels.
Is Samantha, The Next Chapter a good book?
If looking for a light, nostalgic read featuring your favorite American Girl character, Samantha: The Next Chapter is a great book to read.
Will there be more American Girl novels for adults?
Future “legacy” American Girl novels have not been confirmed by Mattel, Inc., but fans speculate more could be in the works with so many characters to choose from.
Is Samantha: The Next Chapter YA?
While Samantha: The Next Chapter is characterized as an adult novel, many parents would find it appropriate for a young adult audience. The novel does not include profanity or spice, and while there is some violence, it is not overly descriptive.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for nearly a decade, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
