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Book Resume
for Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Professional book information and credentials for Anne of Green Gables.
10 Professional Reviews (1 Starred)
Selected for 7 State/Province Lists
- Booklist:
- Grades 4 - 8
- School Library Journal:
- Grades 3 - 7
- Kirkus:
- Ages 7 - 13
- Publisher's Weekly:
- Ages 7 - 12
- School Library Journal:
- Grades 3 - 4
- School Library Journal:
- Grades 5 - 8
- Publisher's Weekly:
- Ages 5 - 8
- TeachingBooks:*
- Grades 5-12
- Word Count:
- 97,364
- Lexile Level:
- 550L
- ATOS Reading Level:
- 7.3
- Genre:
- Historical Fiction
- Year Published:
- 1908
16 Subject Headings
The following 16 subject headings were determined by the U.S. Library of Congress and the Book Industry Study Group (BISAC) to reveal themes from the content of this book (Anne of Green Gables).
- History
- Canada--History--1867-1914--Fiction
- Prince Edward Island--History--20th century--Fiction
- Islands
- Orphans--Fiction
- Canada
- Country life
- 1867-1914
- Prince Edward Island
- Friendship--Fiction
- Shirley, Anne (Fictitious character)
- Country life--Prince Edward Island--Fiction
- Orphans
- Friendship
- Juvenile Fiction | Classics
- Islands--Fiction
10 Full Professional Reviews (1 Starred)
The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.
Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).
From Booklist
October 15, 2017
Grades 4-8 Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, brother and sister, wanted an orphan boy to help out on their farm, Green Gables, but the orphanage accidentally sent a girl, Anne. The Cuthberts are, however, quickly won over by the plucky redhead, and soon, so are the townspeople of Avonlea as Anne changes all of their lives for the better. L. M. Montgomery's classic tale is delicately and lovingly transformed into a graphic novel by Marsden and Thummler. Though the original tale is abridged and adapted, Marsden is careful not to rush the plot, faltering only once in that task but quickly finding her feet again. The rather bland cover sadly does not hint at the beauty of Thummler's art, which revels in the loveliness of the Canadian countryside as well as the quiet beauty of the ordinary people who live there. Her soft, pastel palette is a perfect complement to the historical setting, and her softly glowing art is the heart of this fitting tribute to a beloved work.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)
From School Library Journal
Starred review from September 1, 2017
Gr 3-7-A jewel-toned graphic novel adaptation of the beloved classic. This abridged version of Anne of Green Gables appropriately condenses the longtime favorite into a more accessible volume, but it doesn't cut out the spirit of Montgomery's effervescent heroine. As chatty, imaginative, and scatter-brained as ever, the redheaded protagonist and her new family and town are brought to vivid life by the humorous dialogue and the vignettes that Marsden selected for this treatment. Anne's adventures with the raspberry cordial, dyed hair, Haunted Wood, puffed sleeves, and Lady of Shallot are portrayed with aplomb. Readers are also treated to the endearing characters of busybody Rachel Lynde, dreamy but practical Diana, teasing Gilbert Blythe, shy Matthew, and the hard-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside Marilla. Other favorite characters get short shrift: Miss Stacy is barely mentioned. What makes all of these characters and episodes stand out are the almost-Technicolor illustrations by Thummler, whose interpretation of Avonlea and Green Gables will make anyone understand why the verbose orphan would want to stay in this candy-colored paradise. The landscapes, characterizations, joys and triumphs, and moments of despair are brilliantly depicted in a variety of panel sizes, which serve to heighten the narrative plot points and convey the pacing of each scene. Full pages and spreads are used intermittently to dramatic effect. The winning combination will please both fans and newcomers. VERDICT A gem of a graphic novel adaptation that should be shelved right alongside the original for those who don't want to wade through the wordy prose. A must-purchase.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
From Kirkus
August 15, 2017
A beloved and feisty heroine gets a graphic-novel makeover.In this adaptation that follows L.M. Montgomery's novel fairly faithfully, orphan Anne Shirley, with fiery tresses and an even more red-hot temper, arrives in Avonlea to help aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert at their lovely home, Green Gables. Brimming over with imagination and having a propensity for florid ramblings, Anne stands out in the plainspoken town but manages to weave her way into the hearts of those who meet her, including her new "bosom friend," the mild and well-behaved Diana Barry, and her academic rival and possible love interest, Gilbert Blythe. Anne manages to find herself in many a predicament, but time after time her inherent goodness always rights her wrongdoings. Marsden's reprise of Montgomery's time-honored tale stays true and manages to hit all the notes of the original. Thummler's envisioned Avonlea is lush and verdurous, capturing the earthy beauty of the bucolic hills. However, some of her all-white characters--including Anne--are depicted with eyes as pupilless colored discs with no whites; this makes them appear blank and their bearers almost sightless, sounding a discordant note. But this small quibble is not enough to tarnish an otherwise vivacious imagining. A sweet and cheerful adaptation of the beloved classic. (Graphic adaptation. 7-13)
COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From Publisher's Weekly
August 14, 2017
An orphan with “hair as red as carrots” and the mischief she creates come to vivid life in this graphic novel version of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, a debut for both author and artist. Thummler’s crisp illustrations warmly capture pug-nosed Anne’s indomitable spirit as she navigates her new life with sibling caretakers Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Marsden distills the high notes from Montgomery’s original—the raspberry cordial incident, Anne’s redemption, and the dress with the pretty puffed sleeves among them—while Thummler’s bright palette showcases the natural beauty in Avonlea that so captivates Anne. Darker shades and stark blocking imbue somber moments with deep emotion: Matthew’s loneliness is viscerally apparent in an early scene in which he contemplates returning Anne to the orphanage, his figure hunched and still on the lower quarter of the page while vast darkness stretches above him. But the story is carried by Anne’s pure, unabashed joy and eagerness. Newcomers to Anne’s world and devoted fans alike should devour this spirited adaptation. Ages 7–12.
From Horn Book
July 1, 2005
Montgomery's precocious redhead is presented in an unabridged edition with a ribbon bookmark. Repeated scratchboard illustrations head each chapter, and fifteen unimaginative questions for discussion follow the last chapter.
(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
From School Library Journal
July 1, 2005
Gr 3-4 -A simplified version of the classic story, with a large font and wide spacing. The original plot is loosely mirrored, including Anne's arrival at the Avonlea train depot, Matthew and Marilla's efforts to accept her into their household, Anne's struggles and success in school, and Matthew's death. Essential character traits and resulting conflicts are conveyed -Anne's exuberance and imagination, Matthew's shyness, Marilla's quiet sense of order, and Mrs. Lynde's meddling. Of course many of the original descriptions have been trimmed for simplicity and brevity. Corvino's black-and-white pencil illustrations give readers images of the fashions, hairstyles, and buildings of the day. This serviceable retelling will be appreciated by readers not yet ready for the original work." -Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI"
Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
From School Library Journal
May 1, 2004
Gr 5-8-The nostalgic charm of Avonlea comes alive in Lucy Maud Montgomery's heart-warming tale set on the quaint island of Prince William about an aging brother and sister, Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert, and their decision to adopt a young boy to help with chores around their farm. However, as the result of a misunderstanding the boy turns out to be a feisty, independent, and wildly imaginative redheaded girl named Anne. Marilla's first reaction to this news is, "What use is she to us?" Wherein Mathew replies, "We might be of some use to her." Throughout this moving story these two statements mix and meld together so richly and completely that they become one truth. Three lives are changed so dramatically that none can imagine life without the others. Each new day brings a new set of adventures, often hilarious and always uplifting. Anne's vivid and overactive imagination is the cause of many mishaps, but her saving grace is her heart of gold. Her best friend and "kindred spirit," Diana, and her handsome admirer, Gilbert Blythe, often find themselves unintentional victims of Anne's escapades. Narrator Shelly Frasier's pleasant voice is especially enjoyable during the rapid ramblings of Anne and as the soft-spoken, slow-paced Mathew. Her voice reflects the human qualities of each character, switching seamlessly between broken and despaired, curt and crisp, or dreamy and absent-minded. This perennial classic, divided into convenient three minute tracks and containing a short biography of the author, is a must have for expanding audiobook collections.-Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg High School, OH
Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
From Publisher's Weekly
April 21, 2003
This simplified picture-book retelling of how the 11-year-old orphan comes to Prince Edward Island is adapted from L.M. Montgomery's classic. Ages 5-8.
From Publisher's Weekly
June 1, 1987
With direct quotes from L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of Windy Poplars, Macdonald assembles a tempting array of recipes that any young cook can create. All of the dishes were inspired by references in the books, although "Marilla's Plum Pudding'' with ``Caramel Pudding Sauce'' is offered without requiring the presence of a certain mouse. And ``Diana Barry's Favourite Raspberry Cordial,'' which made Diana drunk, is here nonalcoholic. Macdonald is Montgomery's grandaughter, which will surely appeal to young Anne fans, but the book, with Di Lella's pleasant drawings, can be enjoyed by anyone.
From AudioFile Magazine
Kate Burton characterizes 11-year-old Anne's passionate, excitable personality with a headlong delivery that makes every bit of her dialogue a near monologue. In contrast, Burton portrays her caretakers, Marilla and her brother, Matthew, as slow speaking, taciturn, and sometimes amused at Anne's overblown emotions. In addition, the descriptive parts of the story are also delivered at a slower pace so that listeners can enjoy the glorious details of the Prince Edward Island locales and the splendors of a bygone era. Just as the red-haired orphan breathes new life into the dull days of the elderly siblings, Burton breathes new life into this 1908 classic, proving, once again, that it has endured the test of time. A magnificent forward by fellow Canadian Margaret Atwood combines her personal and professional views of the story. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
7 Selections for State & Provincial Recommended Reading Lists
Anne of Green Gables was selected by educational and library professionals to be included on the following state/provincial reading lists.
Canada Lists (1)
Alberta
- ELA Authorized Novel and Nonfiction Reading List, Grade 6
United States Lists (6)
Florida
Indiana
Nevada
New York
Texas
- STAAR Confidential Student Report Recommended Booklist: Grade 5
Wisconsin
- Battle of the Books, 2022 -- Middle Division for Grades 6-8
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This Book Resume for Anne of Green Gables is compiled from TeachingBooks, a library of professional resources about children's and young adult books. This page may be shared for educational purposes and must include copyright information. Reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers.
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