By Ahaqir Ishaq | October 14, 2026
American Girl’s Samantha Parkington has grown up and her next adventure is written for the readers who grew up with her. Fiona Davis’s Samantha: The Next Chapter, published October 13, 2026, follows the beloved character at age 25 in New York City in 1920.
Billed as the first American Girl novel for adults, the book combines a stolen inheritance, a search for justice, and a young woman finding her place in a changing city. Davis’s official announcement connects the project to American Girl’s 40th anniversary.
What Is Samantha: The Next Chapter About?
Samantha is helping educate women about suffrage and encouraging them to participate in the fall presidential election when her own life takes an unexpected turn. Her inheritance, including her childhood home in Mount Bedford, is stolen through a scheme that leaves her financial security in ruins.
She takes a job as a shopgirl and moves into a boarding house. Determined to uncover what happened, Samantha follows clues and infiltrates the business of a notorious New York criminal.
The publisher’s synopsis establishes both the historical setting and the mystery driving the novel. Samantha’s investigation puts her family’s legacy at stake while bringing her into contact with a different side of the city.
That change in circumstances gives the premise its strongest hook. A character accustomed to security must navigate what happens when that protection disappears. For historical-fiction readers, the appeal extends beyond revisiting a familiar name: there is a personal mystery with consequences for how Samantha understands her world.
Why Fiona Davis Is a Natural Fit
Davis is known for historical novels including The Lions of Fifth Avenue, The Magnolia Palace, and The Stolen Queen. Her work frequently draws on New York City’s history, making Samantha’s adult life in the city a fitting assignment.
In an October 14 interview with PEOPLE, Davis said she initially wondered whether American Girl’s invitation was a hoax. Once she confirmed it was real, the challenge became balancing readers’ attachment to Samantha with a story that moved the character forward.
Davis explained that she wanted the adult Samantha to retain the curiosity and determination that readers associated with her childhood stories. That continuity matters: returning to a favorite character means wanting to recognize her, even as her circumstances change.
An American Girl Novel for Grown-Up Readers
The adult audience is central to this release. Samantha is now 25, and the book follows her through work, financial upheaval, political engagement, and an investigation.
The concept offers longtime fans an unusual reunion. Readers who once encountered history through Samantha’s childhood can return to her story from a different stage of their own lives.
For me, that is the most interesting part of the premise. Historical fiction can make a period feel accessible through one person’s experiences. Bringing back a familiar character adds another connection: readers arrive with memories of who she was and questions about who she has become.
That is a reason to be interested in the book, rather than a verdict on how successfully it delivers. This is a release overview, not a review.
Do You Need to Read the Original Samantha Books First?
The book is being presented to both returning American Girl fans and historical-fiction readers. Davis’s official description explicitly identifies both audiences.
Readers who remember Samantha’s childhood may appreciate the reunion, but newcomers can approach the adult novel through its central premise: a young woman in 1920 New York trying to recover her stolen inheritance.
If you want a refresher before starting, revisiting the original Samantha stories is an optional way to reconnect with the character.
Samantha: The Next Chapter Release Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Samantha: The Next Chapter |
| Author | Fiona Davis |
| U.S. publication date | October 13, 2026 |
| Publisher | American Girl Publishing |
| Print distributor | Simon & Schuster |
| Hardcover length | 272 pages |
| Hardcover ISBN | 9781683372653 |
| Setting | New York City, 1920 |
| Samantha’s age | 25 |
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ready to revisit Samantha? Find Samantha: The Next Chapter on Amazon.
Would you read an adult novel about your favorite American Girl character? Let us know in the comments!
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