Doll Carrier Comparison: Raquel vs Summer vs Maryellen
By American Girl®: Shop 18” Dolls, Clothing, Playsets & More | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Comparisons
Compare three American Girl doll carriers: Raquel, Summer, and Maryellen. Each includes a doll, journal or book, accessories, and a carrier for travel and storage.
Quick answer
If your child loves modern creative storytelling, Raquel or Summer are great choices. For a classic historical character with a book to inspire adventures, Maryellen is the pick.
What each doll carrier set includes
All three sets include an 18-inch doll, a doll carrier for easy transport and storage, and accessories. Raquel and Summer each come with a journal for writing and drawing adventures, while Maryellen includes a book to inspire stories. The carrier makes it easy to take the doll on trips or keep her organized at home.
Price and value differences
Raquel is priced at USD 158.25 (catalog comparison price USD 211.00), Summer at USD 152.57 (catalog comparison price USD 209.00), and Maryellen at USD 149.81 (catalog comparison price USD 211.00). The price differences reflect the specific doll and accessories included. All three offer good value for a complete doll-and-carrier set.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Raquel (Girl of the Year 2026): Includes a journal for writing and drawing, plus a doll carrier. Priced at USD 158.25. Best for kids who want a modern doll with journaling prompts.
- Summer (Creative Storytelling): Includes a journal, accessories, and a doll carrier. Priced at USD 152.57. Great for imaginative play without a specific story arc.
- Maryellen (Historical Character): Includes a book, accessories, and a doll carrier. Priced at USD 149.81. Ideal for kids who enjoy reading and following a character's story.
Product facts at a glance
- Raquel™ 18-inch Doll, Journal, Accessories & Doll Carrier: Raquel is part of the Girl of the Year™ 2026 collection and includes a journal, accessories, and a doll carrier. This set is perfect for kids who enjoy contemporary storytelling and want a doll that reflects current trends.
Raquel™ 18-inch Doll, Journal, Accessories & Doll Carrier - Summer™ 18-inch Doll, Journal, Accessories & Doll Carrier: Summer includes a journal, accessories, and a doll carrier, designed for creative storytelling and imaginative play. Summer is a great choice for children who love to invent their own stories and adventures.
Summer™ 18-inch Doll, Journal, Accessories & Doll Carrier - Maryellen™ 18-inch Doll, Book, Accessories & Doll Carrier: Maryellen includes a book, accessories, and a doll carrier, designed to inspire stories and adventures. The included book makes Maryellen ideal for kids who enjoy reading and following a character's story.
Which one fits your child?
Best for
- Kids who love contemporary storytelling and journaling – choose Raquel
- Kids who enjoy open-ended imaginative play – choose Summer
Not for
- Kids who prefer a historical character with a book – choose Maryellen instead
