At New York Comic Con recently, author Fiona Davis introduced a new adult novel centered on Samantha Parkington, a longstanding figure in the American Girl franchise. The book, titled "Samantha: The Next Chapter," marks the first time the character—originally featured in children's books—has been portrayed in a story aimed at adult readers. The event drew enthusiastic fans, some dressed as Samantha, celebrating the character’s continued evolution.
Samantha Parkington, an orphan raised by her affluent grandmother in the fictional Mount Bedford, New York, is depicted in this installment as a 25-year-old suffragist navigating life in 1920s New York City. The novel explores her efforts to reclaim her inheritance while working as a shopgirl at the department store B. Altman & Co., against the backdrop of shifting societal roles and cultural changes. Romantic elements are present but align with the brand’s traditionally wholesome values.
Fiona Davis, a bestselling author of historical fiction, was approached by American Girl’s editorial team in early 2025 to develop the novel, a project that expanded the franchise’s demographic beyond its usual young audience. Davis collaborated closely with Katherine Cartwright, a senior historical researcher at American Girl, who helped ensure historical accuracy and consistency with Samantha’s established backstory.
The genesis of the adult novel coincides with American Girl’s 40th anniversary and reflects the company’s desire to revisit some of its original historical characters through a more mature lens. Cartwright noted that Samantha’s intergenerational family story made her a natural choice for this expansion. Additionally, Samantha is portrayed as the great-great-grandmother of Raquel Reyes, the 2026 Girl of the Year, creating a narrative link between past and present characters in the American Girl universe.
The novel touches on issues such as death, societal expectations, and women’s evolving roles during a transformative period, drawing parallels to contemporary cultural debates. Both Davis and Cartwright emphasized the importance of honest historical representation while acknowledging that readers will interpret those periods through their own perspectives.
Research for the book incorporated details on period-specific elements such as department stores, boardinghouses, and early self-defense classes for women. Throughout the writing process, Davis said she felt a strong sense of fidelity to Samantha’s character, striving to maintain her voice authentically amid the story’s complexities.
The project was kept under wraps for an extended period, presenting challenges for Davis as she balanced it alongside other writing commitments. Looking ahead, both Davis and Cartwright expressed optimism about the potential for additional adult novels based on other American Girl figures, signaling an ongoing evolution for the franchise.
Since its release, "Samantha: The Next Chapter" has resonated with fans new and old, underscoring the enduring appeal of the American Girl brand and its capacity to adapt to changing readerships while preserving its historical roots.