Like many girls, I “grew up” with L. M. Montgomery’s books about Anne Shirley, and they remain some of my very favorites!  Anne of Green Gables, the first in the series, is the story of intrepid orphan Anne Shirley’s somewhat accidental adoption by elderly, never-married Marilla Cuthbert, and her shy bachelor brother, Matthew.  Although Marilla—a straight-backed spinster with very little imagination—is initially wary of red-haired, talkative Anne, eventually she, like everyone else in the small town of Avonlea, is charmed by Anne’s spirit and spunk.  Anne navigates her way through early adolescence along with a cast of endearing characters, like her “bosom friend” Diana and swoon-worthy admirer and archenemy, Gilbert Blythe.  Readers will find themselves falling in love with Anne and consider her a “kindred spirit”, just like everyone else she encounters!  A great book for any age.

Content Analysis:

There are a few very mild religious exclamations. There is very little violence, though there are a few scenes involving heated arguments, and in one memorable scene Anne smashes her slate over a fellow classmate’s head. 

Mature Subject Matter:

During the course of the novel, a character dies, which introduces some mild mature themes. The death is handled very gently.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None