Looking for someone to buddy read with? Consider turning to the OG girlhood companions — the ones who came with bookish recs of their own. Sure, those books could be filled with harrowing tales of history! But that’s exactly what made them all the more un-put-downable. And just maybe, they could very well have kickstarted your journey to becoming a lifelong reader.
The beloved characters of the American Girl doll universe have stuck with many of us all the way to adulthood, and for good reason. We find ourselves fiercely loyal to our childhood favorites, from the class-conscious icon Samantha Parkington to entrepreneurial girlboss Kit Kittredge. But now, it’s time for some American Girl-recced reads with a higher page count and a more mature tone, perfect for their more grown-up audience.
Whether you’re a former horse girl, a plant mom or a recovering gifted kid, this reading list has the book for you. Scroll down to see which hyper-specific reads these American Girls are recommending and the reasons they can relate.
Here’s the full reading list for you to screenshot on your way to the bookstore:
FELICITY:
She Who Rides Horses and A Clan Chief’s Daughter by Sarah V. Barnes (find the full review here to learn more!)
SAMANTHA:
Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams
JOSEFINA:
Forest Euphoria by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian
KIRSTEN:
Until Alison by Kate Russo and What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
ADDY:
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
KAYA:
The Island of Last Things by Emma Sloley and To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
KIT:
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
MOLLY:
Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie and Flashlight by Susan Choi
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