At a Glance
- Alex Aster is writing Barbie: Dreamscape, the first original young adult Barbie novel
- The book releases July 28 and is available for preorder now
- Aster credits childhood Barbie play as her first storytelling experience
- Why it matters: The move marks Mattel’s first step into the lucrative YA market after 175+ children’s books
Alex Aster, the New York Times bestselling author behind the Lightlark romantasy series, will pen Barbie: Dreamscape, the first-ever original young adult novel set in the Barbie universe. The announcement, made January 15, positions Mattel to capture older readers who grew up with the doll.
A Personal Connection
Aster’s link to Barbie runs deep. In a statement shared with News Of Losangeles, she recalled afternoons spent inventing adventures for each doll.
“Playing with Barbie dolls was one of my first forms of storytelling and creative outlets as a kid,” she says. “I spent countless hours making up stories starring each of my dolls, and I still remember the excitement of opening a new box, adding another character to my tales, marveling at each accessory.”
Her Instagram tease-a pink Post-it-preceded the formal reveal. The next morning she posted a childhood photo of herself on a mini Barbie bicycle and wrote, “I’m writing the first-ever Barbie YA novel!!!”
Plot and Themes
Mattel describes Barbie: Dreamscape as a coming-of-age fantasy. Barbie lives in Heartland, an enchanted realm where students receive destiny decrees at graduation. When Barbie is labeled “fateless,” she embarks on a quest across magical lands to confront the beings who control futures.
The journey forces her to face harsh truths about identity, desire, and self-determination-topics tailored to YA readers navigating their own crossroads.
Ryan Ferguson, global head of publishing at Mattel, praised the match: “Alex Aster and Barbie are a natural pairing, and her personal affinity and genuine love for the brand shines through in a story that resonates with today’s young adult readers.”
Strategic Expansion
Since Barbie’s 1959 debut, Mattel has published more than 175 inclusive children’s books. None, until now, have targeted the young adult shelf.
Key points of the publishing strategy:
- Diversify readership beyond early childhood
- Introduce new authors to the Barbie universe
- Explore mature themes such as fate and self-discovery
Aster expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I’m honored to write the first YA Barbie book and can’t wait for readers to go on this journey of self-discovery with Barbie!”
Release Details
- Title: Barbie: Dreamscape
- Author: Alex Aster
- Publisher: Mattel Inc.
- On-sale date: July 28
- Preorder: Available wherever books are sold
Key Takeaways
- Mattel enters the YA market with a high-profile author partnership.
- Aster’s personal history with Barbie lends authenticity to the fantasy narrative.
- The summer release targets both nostalgic millennials and new teen readers.
