Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beloved classic features lovable, imaginative heroine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say that this book is a beloved classic, cherished by both children and parents for its relatable characters and valuable life lessons, making it a great read-aloud choice for young kids. However, many reviews note that the language can be quite advanced for younger readers, making it a better fit for middle schoolers and up, although its themes of imagination and perseverance resonate strongly across ages.
- relatable characters
- advanced language
- valuable lessons
- great for read-aloud
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a heartwarming and humorous read, filled with relatable characters and timeless lessons about imagination, friendship, and personal growth. Many appreciate the depth of Anne's character, her flaws, and her journey, while some note that younger readers might find the language complex, making it more suitable for middle school ages and up.
- heartwarming story
- relatable characters
- complex language
- imaginative themes
- impactful lessons
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When aging siblings Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert of Avonlea, a small town in Canada's maritime province of Prince Edward Island, decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with their farm, they never expect to get talkative 11-year-old redhead Anne Shirley instead. Anne's arrival at Green Gables immediately stirs up the Cuthberts' predictable, even-keeled lives -- and before long, they're so attached to her that they can't bring themselves to send her back to the orphan asylum after all. With her vivid imagination, mile-a-minute chatter, and impulsive, love-starved heart, Anne has an impact on everyone she meets in Avonlea, from busybody Rachel Lynde to \"bosom friend\" Diana Barry to handsome Gilbert Blythe, the boy who dares to call Anne \"Carrots.\"
Is It Any Good?
More than a century after she first beguiled readers, Anne Shirley is still one of the most beloved characters in children's literature -- and for good reason. You can't help but be charmed by her mix of chatter, imagination, fierce loyalty, and enthusiasm. Her tendency for the dramatic -- both the dizzying heights of joy and the depths of despair -- makes her relatable and sympathetic, and her ability to see beauty in everything is inspiring.
Montgomery's knack for creating memorable characters and realistic dialogue makes ANNE OF GREEN GABLES extremely readable, though reluctant readers (or younger kids in general) may balk at her many descriptions of Prince Edward Island's natural splendors. Those who are ready for Anne's adventures, though, will find her a delightful companion -- and will be excited to follow her through the book's multiple sequels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a book a classic. Are all old books automatically "classics"? Why do you think this particular story stands the test of time?
Do you consider Anne a role model? Is she like any kids you know in real life? How do you think she'd be different if the book were written today?
Why is imagination so important to Anne? What sets her apart from the other Avonlea children?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bantam Books
- Publication date : June 1, 1908
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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