Dan in Green Gables

Dan in Green Gables (2025) is a graphic novel adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables, written by Rey Terciero (also known as Rex Ogle) with illustrations by Claudia Aguirre. The graphic novel is 256 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of Anne of Green Gables.

Publishers Weekly describes the plot as follows: "After being abandoned by his mother, a queer teen endeavors to cultivate a sense of home and belonging in this tender and heartfelt graphic novel reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. Living on the road with his flighty mother, who has an alcohol dependency, forced pale-skinned 15-year-old Dan to assume adult responsibilities early in his childhood. His nomadic lifestyle abruptly ends when his mother takes him to rural Tennessee to meet his late father’s parents; the next morning, Dan is heartbroken to realize his mother is gone, leaving him with the grandparents he’s never known."

Rey Terciero spoke about his choice to re-imagine Anne of Green Gables as a graphic novel for today's kids who have "less time than ever." In an essay at Publishers Weekly, he writes, "...while I was daydreaming about reforging my required reading (and sometimes extra credit), I thought, 'Hmm. These would be so much better as comics.' So as an adult, I wanted to write stories for the younger me. I wanted to see myself reflected in these stories. With prose, it’s easy to say a character is white, or brown, or Black. But when you see these characters with the same skin color as you, something magical happens and awakens a hunger for more stories.

That’s why I wrote Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy. That’s why I wrote Northranger. That’s why I wrote Doña Quixote. And that’s why I wrote Dan in Green Gables.

So if I’m going to write for teen me, I know he’s going to want something that’s not only fun and powerful and emotional and hilarious, but also...short. Graphic novels are quick reads for kids. So much so, that they often go back and read them again, and again, and again.

And if those kids are anything like me—and trust me, they are—they’ll want to start creating their own classics, so they can take well-known stories and re-imagine them to see themselves."


Here is the description of the book from Penguin Random House:

In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, effervescent extrovert Dan Stewart-Álvarez is surprised to find home and community in rural Tennessee.

Despite a life on the road with his free-spirited mother, fifteen-year-old Dan Stewart-Álvarez has always wanted to settle down. He just didn’t think it’d be like this: with his mother abandoning him in rural Tennessee with two strangers—his gentle grandmother and conservative, rough-around-the-edges grandfather. Here, he is forced to adjust to working the farm, entering high school, and hardest yet—reckoning with his queerness in a severe Southern Baptist community.

But even as Dan grows closer to his mawmaw, befriends fellow outsiders at school, and tries to make a new life for himself in Green Gables, he has to discover whether he can contend with intolerance and adapt to change without losing himself in the process.

From award-winning author Rey Terciero and Eisner Award nominee and illustrator Claudia Aguirre comes a new retelling of Anne of Green Gables about unconventional families, queer identity, and finding the meaning of home in the most unlikely of places.

Reviews

"Animated, intricately detailed artwork by Aguirre (Lifetime Passes) has a watercolor feel that evokes a nostalgic 1990s ambiance. Utilizing a bustling, distinctly limned cast anchored by a protagonist whose personality leaps off the page, Terciero (Northranger) explores religion, generational trauma, acceptance, and self-worth with grace."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review (full review)

"The art style is detailed, especially in capturing the 1990s Tennessee setting, while still maintaining an appealing bright, bold look. VERDICT: a must purchase, especially for fans of Mike Curato’s Flamer or those who enjoy the works of Ivy Noelle Weir and Kathleen Gros."
—School Library Journal, starred review

"An energetic and enchanting YA graphic novel [that] embodies the spirit of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables while giving it a shiny new take that compassionately incorporates chaotic family dynamics, friendship, queer identity, religion, bullying, and—above all—love. Dan in Green Gables stands alone as an uplifting and gratifying graphic novel, relatable to any reader who believes, like Dan, that 'happiness is a revolution.'"
—Shelf Awareness, starred review

"The dreamy, whimsical illustrations are steeped in the sweet, slow feeling of a humid East Tennessee afternoon. Pops of saturated color flood the background of some panels, highlighting emotional moments and mirroring Dan’s vibrant personality. Satisfying thematic parallels and a spirited, vulnerable carrot-topped protagonist will satisfy fans of the original, which is refreshingly remixed by Terciero’s joyfully queer spin. An effervescent search for belonging and a heartfelt ode to a beloved classic."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Dan in Green Gables captures the charm and sincerity of the beloved classic with a new protagonist whose infectious energy and perseverance will enthrall fans of Anne Shirley. Terciero depicts the struggles of his protagonist with tenderness, striking an excellent balance between hardship and joy: Dan in Green Gables never feels too demoralizing, nor too lighthearted...meanwhile, Claudia Aguirre’s lush illustrations capture Dan’s year in Tennessee in warm, inviting hues that imbue the characters with liveliness and depict a world you’ll want to revisit again and again."
—BookPage

ISBN-13: 978-0593385586


Image credit:
Book cover of Dan in Green Gables.

References:
Dan in Green Gables (March 31, 2025). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593385579.

Terciero, Rey (Rex Ogle). (June 3, 2025). Why Reimagining Classic Literature as Modern Graphic Novels Is So Important for Young and Reluctant Readers. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/97935-why-re-imagining-classic-literature-as-modern-graphic-novels-is-so-important-for-young-and-reluctant-readers.html.

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Created June 15, 2025. Last updated September 17, 2025.
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Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea

Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea by Laura Kelly and Jane Kelly was independently published in June 2022. The book tells the story of Josie Pye, who dreams of a life bigger than Avonlea can offer. Have you ever wondered what made Josie tick? Maybe this story holds the answer.


Here is the description of the story from the book's back cover:

JOSIE PYE IS NOT A KINDRED SPIRIT...

In fact, she could not care less about the red-headed Anne Shirley, with her freckled nose always in a book. And while the whole village of Avonlea may have been infatuated with the dramatic goody-goody orphan, Josie has her heart set on a far more glamorous and exciting life than her small Canadian village can offer. Her opportunity finally comes with the arrival of a handsome stranger to Avonlea. Could this be the fulfillment of all her dreams and ambitions?

Here is the description of the book from Amazon:

Devoted readers of Anne of Green Gables will remember the coastal farming village of Avonlea as the home of kindred spirits -- a community of close-knit characters that opened their hearts to the bright, talkative, and imaginative red-headed orphan, Anne Shirley. Well... mostly kindred spirits. The cruel Pye sisters, led by Josie Pye, instantly disliked Anne for her intelligence, charm, and the attention she drew from others, especially Gilbert Blythe. Josie, described as spoiled, vain, and vindictive, knew she was better than Anne, better than Avonlea. She deserved a life more glamorous and exciting than even Anne Shirley could imagine.

This book continues the story of Josie Pye, as she sets her sights on a handsome stranger as her ticket out of her humdrum home. She soon discovers that the best laid plans can lead you astray. Josie faces new challenges that force her to reconsider her perception of Avonlea, its people, and her own desires. Josie Pye may yet become a kindred spirit after all, with many misadventures and a budding romance along the way. Beloved characters, including Diana Barry, Ruby Gillis, Marilla Cuthbert, and Rachel Lynde, are all part of this continuing story.

Image credit:
Book cover of Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea.

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Created October 27, 2024.
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Marilla Cuthbert and Darth Vader

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

Marilla Cuthbert and Darth Vader fell in love. They adopted a young orphan named Anne Shirley, and even though she was not a boy, they decided to keep her. Anne grew up to be the most powerful Jedi of all, entirely because she was a girl.

Well, not really, but that's what I imagined earlier today when I saw a photograph of Colleen Dewhurst, who played Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, and James Earl Jones, who gave voice to Darth Vader in Star Wars. This photograph was taken when these two talented actors starred in a production of Hamlet in 1972 in New York City's Central Park. Colleen Dewhurst played Gertrude and James Earl Jones played Claudius.


Image credit:
Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library. (1972). Colleen Dewhurst and James Earl Jones in publicity for the stage production Hamlet. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c91c5430-1183-0130-f059-58d385a7b928.

Created September 10, 2024.
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Anne of Green Gables Retelling by Nosy Crow Classics

L.M. Montgomery's classic story Anne of Green Gables was adapted for young readers by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Isabelle Follath. Published on September 3, 2024 by Nosy Crow, the retelling is 96 pages long and geared toward children ages 7–10.

This is the third book in the Nosy Crow Classics series. The series also includes Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows abridged by Lou Peacock and illustrated by Kate Hindley and Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra by Nikita Gill and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat.

Here's a look inside the book that shows an illustration of Anne Shirley and the text at the end of Chapter 1 and beginning of Chapter 2. I think the illustrations are really charming.

Here is the book's description from Nosy Crow Classics:

When a spirited and imaginative 11-year-old orphan named Anne moves to Avonlea, she can’t wait to see the home she’s always dreamed of. And it’s perfect! Green Gables is a beautiful farmhouse, set among the summer flowers of Prince Edward Island.

But Anne quickly realizes her dream is too good to be true. There has been a terrible mistake and her new family—gentle Matthew and his stern sister Marilla—were expecting someone quite different. With her cheer, her imagination, and even her mischievousness, Anne is a welcome breath of fresh air . . . but will she succeed in enchanting Matthew and Marilla? One thing’s for sure, there is never a dull moment when Anne is around.

Featuring high-end finishes, including a foil-inlaid cloth binding, textured jacket, and ribbon bookmark, Anne of Green Gables is a timeless gift book for every child to enjoy and treasure. Listen to the free Stories Aloud audiobook— just scan the QR code on the back cover to hear the story read aloud!

Image credit:
Cover of Anne of Green Gables by Nosy Crow Classics.

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Created September 6, 2024.
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Anne Dreams (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne Dreams by Kallie George is the sixth and final book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Anne Shirley dyeing her hair and her dream of becoming a teacher. Geared toward early readers, the 72-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in August 2024.

Here is the description of the book from Penguin Random House:

The sixth and final book in an early illustrated chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.

Anne is starting to grow up, but she’s still disappointed with her red hair — it’s one of her lifelong sorrows. One day, she buys a bottle of hair dye in order to have raven black hair like her best friend and kindred spirit, Diana. Unfortunately, the dye ends up turning her hair green! This upset causes Anne to start focusing on improving herself inside, rather than her looks . . . and leads to a new dream taking shape: Anne wanting to become a teacher! She joins a club for students studying to get into Queen’s College. But can Anne overcome her fear of failing? And how can she study hard when pesky Gilbert is distracting her?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.

ISBN-13: 9780735272132

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne Dreams.

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Created August 10, 2024. Last updated November 19, 2024.
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The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon

The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon is a collection of short stories by ten Canadian writers who take Anne Shirley on new adventures. The collection was edited by Judith Graves and Robin Sutherland.

Judith Graves, who describes herself as an L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables "fangirl," had once written a short story about Anne being a cyborg. Writing this story gave her the idea of creating an anthology of stories. In an interview with the CBC, Graves says, "I pitched the idea of what if it wasn't just my little Anne story? What if we got a whole bunch of authors writing and taking Anne on these wild new adventures?" Graves invited writers to contribute with the following guidelines: "the main character had to be named Anne with an E and was adopted by an older couple."

The book includes stories by Paul Coccia (Leon Levels Up), Hope Dalvay (Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank), Matthew Dawkins (Until We Break), Natasha Deen (Key of Nira Ghani), Judith Graves (Retribution series), Shari Green (Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess), Mere Joyce (Oracle of Senders series), Deirdre Kessler (Lobster in my Pocket), Susie Moloney (The Thirteen), and Susan White (The Year Mrs. Montague Cried).

Graves notes that, "Very much this anthology will rock some people's world, I think. But I think the underlying theme of everything, all the stories … was a nod to L.M. Montgomery's work and a hearkening back to those themes of finding yourself, belonging, being quirky but that's OK — being your own person and finding your people who may not be related to you."

Here is the book's description from Acorn Press:

Who is YOUR Anne?

Join ten of Canada's top young adult fiction writers as they set Canada's favourite red-haired orphan, Anne Shirley, on brand new adventures. With its futuristic settings, cybernetic beings, ghosts, mysterious books and boxes, and racial and sexual diversity in its cast of characters, The ANNEthology offers serious "scope for the imagination" for all readers.

2024 marks the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery's birth and the 30th anniversary of Acorn Press, Prince Edward Island's longest-running traditional publishing house. What better way to celebrate these milestones than publishing a collection of stories inspired by the Island's (and one of Canada's) most beloved authors?

Sure to include something for everyone, this is a must-have collection for Anne of Green Gables fans.

The book launch for The Annethology took place yesterday at The Guild in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. What do you think of the concept of The Annethology? Will you read it?

Image credit:
Cover of The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon by Acorn Press.

Reference:
Ross, Shane. (2024, June 22). Anne with an Edge: New anthology will 'rock some people's world:' This is not your grandmother's Anne Shirley. CBC. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-annethology-green-gables-judith-graves-1.7243762

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Created June 24, 2024.
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Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel (2017) is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel by Mariah Marsden with illustrations by Brenna Thummler. The graphic novel is 232 pages in length. The lovely dedication reads: "To Lucy Maud Montgomery, who reminds us that nothing is more powerful than a girl with an imagination."

Here's the publisher's description of the book from the Andrews McMeel website:

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited graphic novel adaptation.

The spirit of Anne is alive and well in Mariah Marsden's crisp adaptation, and it's a thrill to watch as the beloved orphan rushes headlong through Brenna Thummler's heavenly landscapes. Together Marsden and Thummler conjure all the magic and beauty of Green Gables. Like Anne herself, you won't want to leave.
— Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" and "The Marvels"

The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.

I read this graphic novel last year and enjoyed it. The illustrations are bright and crisp with the glorious reds, greens, and blues of Prince Edward Island.

Some readers have found Anne's green, pupil-less eyes to be blank, puppet-like, and somewhat off putting. And it's true that her eyes are curious and odd.



Anne's strange eyes also made me smile. They reminded of a wonderful set of books I was given as a child (and still have today) that were part of a series called "The World of Fairy Tales" by Froebel-Kan. The tales featured photos of puppets in elaborate sets as a form of storytelling. Some of the puppets had blank stares too (see photos of my Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk books below). Don't the puppet's eyes look like Anne's?



Using puppets to create scenes helped retell classic fairy tales in a unique way in the Froebel-Kan series. Similarly, Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel is a unique retelling of Anne Shirley's story. I especially liked how the graphic novel captured Anne's most over-dramatic moments in spectacular fashion. You can just feel the drama.



Some of the most beautiful and touching pages were the ones without words, like this scene where Anne visits Matthew's grave.



I really enjoyed this retelling of Anne's story and recommend it.

Official Websites:
Andrews McMeel website
Brenna Thummler's website

Image Credits:
Book cover and panels from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler. Photographs of Froebel-Kan's Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk book covers from "The World of Fairy Tales" series by World of Anne Shirley.

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Created May 10, 2024. Last updated June 4, 2024.
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Anne Dares (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne Dares by Kallie George is the fifth book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Josie Pye challenging Anne to a dangerous dare. Geared toward early readers, the 72-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in October 2023.

Here is the description of the book from Penguin Random House:

The fifth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she agrees to a dangerous dare and learns a valuable lesson about courage.

Anne is excited to be a guest at a party at Orchard Slope, the home of her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. But when the dares start and mean Josie Pye makes the others feel bad, Anne can’t stop herself from challenging Josie to a dare . . . which leads to Anne being dared to climb the house and walk along the ridgepole! Anne’s dangerous dare ends in injury . . . and teaches her an important lesson. But Anne must pluck up her courage again when she is chosen to recite at a Christmas concert! How can Anne perform in front of so many people? And what is shy Matthew Cuthbert hiding from the family?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.

ISBN-13: 9780735272101

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne Dares.

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Created October 28, 2023. Last updated November 19, 2024.
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The Grace of Wild Things

The Grace of Wild Things (2023) by Heather Fawcett is a fantasy adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables. The story is 368 pages in length, and it is an imaginative re-telling of the classic story. Fawcett's tale is about a magical orphan named Grace who becomes the apprentice of a dangerous witch in the woods.

In an essay at The New York Times, Catherine Hong reviewed several modern adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. Hong describes The Grace of Wild Things as, "The least obvious Anne reboot of all, this middle-grade fantasy is about a hotheaded young sorceress named Grace who persuades a terrifying child-eating witch to take her in as an apprentice. The touchstone scenes are all here. But the truest homage it pays is in conveying a child’s intense connection to home."

Emma Kantor interviewed Heather Fawcett in an article for Publishers Weekly where Fawcett described her bond with Anne Shirley saying, "I felt a strong connection to Anne immediately as someone who also enjoyed making up stories about ordinary things." She described her early experience reading Anne of Green Gables by saying, "My first impression was that it read like a fairy tale—there was a sense of the enchanted in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s descriptions, through Anne, of Prince Edward Island and Green Gables itself."

Fawcett explained her motivation to re-imagine Anne's story saying, "I’ve always wanted to retell Anne of Green Gables as fantasy, because I think the story lends itself well to that sort of thing, with Anne’s imagination adding supernatural flourishes to what is overall a fairly down-to-earth narrative about school and relationships and mishaps with baking and what not."

Although the fantasy re-telling is not a faithful scene-by-scene recreation of Anne's story, Fawcett explained that she aimed "to preserve the heart of the story and the core architecture." She went on to say, "Anne of Green Gables, to me, has always been first and foremost about the idea of home; it’s about an orphan girl who has never known what that is, not only because she’s an orphan but because she’s different." 


Here is the description of the book from HarperCollins Publishers:

An inventive and fantastical reimagining of Anne of Green Gables—with magic and witches!—that explores found family, loss, and the power of a girl's imagination, from the acclaimed author of The Language of Ghosts and The School Between Winter and Fairyland. Perfect for readers who loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Serafina and the Black Cloak.

"A magical, witchy, and thoroughly successful homage to a classic." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Grace has never been good at anything except magic—not that anyone believes her.

While other children are adopted from the orphanage, nobody wants Grace. So she decides to make a home for herself by running away and offering herself as an apprentice to the witch in the nearby woods. After all, who better to teach Grace to use her magic? Surely the witch can’t be that bad.

But the witch is that bad—she steals souls for spells and gobbles up hearts. So Grace offers a deal: If she can learn all 100½ spells in the witch’s grimoire, the witch will make Grace her apprentice. But if Grace fails, the witch can take her magic. The witch agrees, and soon an unexpected bond develops between them.

But the spells are much harder than Grace expected, and when a monster from the witch’s past threatens the home Grace has built, she may have to sacrifice more than her magic to save it.

Reviews

"An exuberant tale of belonging and hope."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review) (full review)

"This alternative-universe romp is perfect for those who like their fantasy light and sentimental and enjoy a bit of L. M. Montgomery pastiche."
—The Horn Book

ISBN-13: 978-0063142626


Image credit:
Book cover of The Grace of Wild Things.

References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.

Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.' Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.

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Created Feb 25, 2023. Last updated September 18, 2025.
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Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) (2022) is a modern adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's story as a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Kathleen Gros. The graphic novel is 304 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of Anne of Green Gables with an LGBTQ+ spin.

In this retelling, Anne Shirley is a foster child who is taken in by the Cuthberts and find a new home at the Avon-Lea apartments. Anne develops a strong relationship with her neighbor Diana, and her feelings grow to be more than friendship.

Author and illustrator Kathleen Gros previously published a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women in 2020, entitled Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of). In an interview with Emma Kantor for Publishers Weekly, Kathleen Gros reflected on how she approaches her adaptations saying, "My approach is to try and hold on to the heart of the story—the themes, the feelings of the characters, and what resonated with me as a reader. At the same time, I try to find analogous ways to express those ideas that might feel more familiar to readers today."

Kathleen Gros explains why she explored LGBTQ+ themes in her contemporary retelling of Anne's story saying, "In my retelling, I was particularly interested in further exploring Anne and Diana’s friendship. So many of the queer women I know saw their childhood crushes reflected in Anne and Diana’s relationship. I wanted to speak to those feelings and honor them with this adaptation."

In an essay at The New York Times, Catherine Hong reviewed several modern adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. In discussing Kathleen Gros's retelling, Hong writes: "Much has been written about repressed desire in the series at least since 2000, when Laura Robinson’s paper 'Bosom Friends: Lesbian Desire in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Books' sparked a mini-furor at an academic conference. It’s no stretch: Even casual fans have to raise an eyebrow at Anne’s flamboyant passion for Diana and her scornful attitude toward marriage. 'I love Diana so, Marilla,'” Anne declares. 'I cannot ever live without her. But I know very well when we grow up that Diana will get married and go away and leave me. And oh, what shall I do? I hate her husband — I just hate him furiously.'" Catherine Hong says that Gros doesn't shy away from these observations of repressed desire and instead "puts the gay stuff front and center."


Here is the description of the book from Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers:

In this modern graphic novel retelling of Anne of Green Gables from graphic novelist Kathleen Gros, foster kid Anne Shirley finally lands in a loving home and befriends a girl who she may have more-than-friends feelings for.

Anne Shirley has been in foster care her whole life. So when the Cuthberts take her in, she hopes it’s for good. They seem to be hitting it off, but how will they react to the trouble that Anne can sometimes find herself in . . . like accidentally dyeing her hair green or taking a dangerous dare that leaves her in a cast?

Then Anne meets Diana Barry, a girl who lives in her apartment building, the Avon-Lea. The two become fast friends, as Anne finds she can share anything with Diana. As time goes on, though, Anne starts to develop more-than-friends feelings for Diana.

A new foster home, a new school, and a first-time crush—it’s a lot all at once. But if anyone can handle life’s twists and turns, it’s the irrepressible Anne Shirley.

Reviews

"Gird your loins, traditionalists, because the queerification of Anne is in full flower."
—Catherine Hong, The New York Times

"Coupled with easy-to-follow paneling, expressive characters rendered in vibrant hues aptly covey middle school dramas that tug on the heartstrings and provide levity in this cozy jaunt."
—Publishers Weekly

"Gr 6-8-The "Sort Of" in the subtitle is an important clarification for readers expecting a graphic novel of Anne's adventures in Avonlea, who might be startled at the modern take on the beloved novel. In Gros's version, Anne Shirley is a foster kid living with the Cuthbert siblings, who are surprised at the teenaged girl who arrives at their door. The Cuthberts live in an apartment building named Avon-Lea, where Anne Shirley fans will find many recognizable characters. Similar to Montgomery's telling, Anne is headstrong and difficult to get along with, and she has her characteristically recognizable run-ins with the neighbors and classmates. Diana is introduced to Anne as a possible friend, and the girls do form a quick bond, spending lots of time together. Readers will begin to see the graphic novel and original novel diverge when Anne and Diana attend the neighborhood middle school and interact with other seventh graders who have modern-day issues. This is especially showcased when Anne and Diana develop crushes on each other and attend a dance together. As a stand-alone story rather than an adaptation, this graphic novel succeeds on its own, with plenty of realistic plot points for middle grade readers to find compelling and fun. VERDICT A fun story for middle grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age graphic novels and modern adaptations of classics."
—Kim Gardner, School Library Journal

ISBN: 9780063057654


Image credit:
Book cover of Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of).

References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.

Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.' Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.

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Created October 29, 2022. Last updated May 2, 2024.
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Anne of Greenville

Anne of Greenville (2022) by Mariko Tamaki is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables. The story is 304 pages in length, and it is a modern re-imagining of the classic story.

In an essay at The New York Times, Catherine Hong reviewed several modern adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. She describes Tamaki's retelling as "more a playful riff than a retelling — in which Anne is the half-Japanese, disco-loving, 'deliriously queer' adopted daughter of two moms. After the family moves to the conservative small town of Greenville, Anne encounters a scary nativist clique and a thorny love triangle involving two girls, Berry (as in Diana Barry) and Gilly. Tamaki’s nods to the original have a postmodern flair. When Gilly calls Anne 'Carrots' (an unforgivable insult in Montgomery’s version), Anne responds: 'Carrots?...That’s what you got?'"

In an interview with Emma Kantor for Publishers Weekly, Mariko Tamaki talks about first discovering Anne Shirley saying, "I don’t actually remember the first time I read Anne of Green Gables. I am fairly certain my first exposure, like any good Canadian who was a kid in the ’80s, was the CBC series—which I adored. “What, an overly exuberant, slightly awkward, literary kid who likes ice cream? Tell me more!"

Mariko Tamaki explains that author Melissa de la Cruz contacted her about writing a retelling of Anne's story for her new eponymous imprint. Tamaki went on to say, "Then it just seemed like the best Canadian lit assignment ever. I wanted to lean mostly into the character of Anne, this kid who has such a clear vision of the value of their own whimsy."

In discussing the longevity and endurance of Anne Shirley, Mariko Tamaki reflected that, "I think there is something really compelling about kids who are intensely and fiercely themselves. A book like Harriet the Spy has a similar power for that reason. There’s something courageous about being yourself against all odds—it’s a valuable and necessary thing."

Here is the description of the book from Melissa de la Cruz Studio:

This is the story of how I became Anne of Greenville. It’s also the story of how I found my true true, and how I needed to maybe come to Greenville, of all places, to make that happen.

In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, Anne is an ABBA-loving singer/actor/writer of disco-operas, queer, Japanese-American who longs to be understood for her artistic genius. Recently relocated to middle-of-nowhere Greenville and starting at a new school, Anne has a tendency to A) fall in love quickly, deeply, and effervescently and B) fly off the handle in the face of jerks. Both personality quirks quickly come into play when the soccer team boos the premiere of her disco performance, which—in a roundabout way—introduces her to her new BFF, Berry, and she soon after meets the girl of her dreams, Gilly.

Falling quickly into that age-old trap of ignoring the best friend for the new crush, Anne soon becomes embroiled in a series of dramatic and unfortunate events, and quickly finds herself wrapped up in a love triangle she never expected. Is she MTB with Gilly? Or is Berry her true soul mate? Only time (or 304 pages) will tell.

In this coming-of-age novel by fan-favorite author Mariko Tamaki, see the classic tale in a whole new light. Refreshingly bold and unapologetically unique, Anne of Greenville will make you want to stand up and sing!

Reviews

"A glitter-fueled disco daydream! Mariko Tamaki captures the irrepressible, unapologetic enthusiasm of Anne Shirley and delivers her with sequins and rollerskates to a brand new audience. Anne of Greenville bubbles over with a defiantly joyful energy!"
―Britta Lundin, author of Ship It and Like Other Girls

"Every page of this glittery disco ball of a book explodes with imagination, effervescence, and joy ― prepare to find a kindred spirit in this thoroughly modern Anne Shirley."
―Sarah Kuhn, author of From Little Tokyo, with Love

"I adored Mariko Tamaki's Anne of Greenville, which doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of being both queer and weird in a small town, but also embraces so much love and beauty. Joy as an act of resistance overflows from Anne and her new world. Tamaki infuses her work with so much humor, nuance, and incredible generosity for every character, and I will read every single thing she writes."
―Amy Spalding, best-selling author of We Used to Be Friends

“Delightfully queer, deliciously disco-filled, and decidedly heartfelt, Anne of Greenville is the coming-of-age novel we need! My heart’s been soaring like it’s wearing roller skates ever since I finished it!”
―Jason June, author of Jay's Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue

ISBN-13: 9781368078405


Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of Greenville.

References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.

Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.' Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.

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Created October 4, 2022. Last updated September 16, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne's Tragical Tea Party (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne's Tragical Tea Party by Kallie George is the fourth book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Anne Shirley's disastrous tea party with Diana Barry. Geared toward early readers, the 68-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in March 2022.

Here is the description of the book from Penguin Random House:

The fourth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she hosts her very first tea party with her kindred spirit, Diana, to disastrous results.

Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief — Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana’s mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.

ISBN-13: 9780735267220

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne's Tragical Tea Party.

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Created March 23, 2022. Last updated November 19, 2024.
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