Anne of Green Gables

L.M. Montgomery. Putnam Adult, 2008. ISBN: 978-0399154782

Plot Summary: When Anne is left an orphan, she ends up being brought to Green Gables, the home of Matthew and Marilla. At first her future seems uncertain as she quickly discovers that they had requested a boy from the orphanage to help again Matthew around the farm. Luckily, they decide that red haired Anne can stay and she begins to win their hearts. Anne is quite a handful for the elderly brother and sister. She is talkative, energetic and has a wild imagination. It is a huge adjustment for the two to adjust to life with Anne but soon they cannot imagine their lives without her.

Critical Evaluation: This book is a Canadian classic for good reason. It is well written and brings to life PEI in the early 1900's. The reader can easily empathize with Anne and will feel her triumphs and heartaches as though there were their own. The character of Anne Shirley is completely irresistible and her story is heartfelt and quickly grabs the reader.

Reader's Annotation: Anne Shirley is excited to finally have a home. Unfortunately when she arrives, she discovers the she is not wanted because she is a girl. Can she change their minds with her fast tongue and brilliant imagination?

Genre: Fiction
About the Author: Lucy Maude Mongomery was born in 1894 and is the author of the Anne of Green Gable series as well as other stories about the town of Avonlea. Her work has been made into a television series as well as films.
Interest Level: 8-14
Curriculum Ties: Canadian History
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on Anne's temper and her imagination.
Challenge Issues: None. If any, become familiar with book and the series. Read reviews of the book and seek out opinions of reader's.
Selection Process: I read it in school many years ago and wanted to re-read.

Focus on her friendship with Diana