Anne of Green Gables (Classic Starts Series)

by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Kathleen Olmstead (Abridged by), Lucy Corvino (Illustrator), Arthur Pober Ed.D (Afterword)

Overview

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, middle-aged brother and sister, decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with farm chores on their remote Prince Edward Island homestead in turn-of-the-century Canada. Anne Shirley, eleven years old, is the redheaded girl sent by mistake from the orphanage. While initially the Cuthberts are dismayed, thinking a girl will be no use at all, they soon fall in love with the talkative, mischievous Anne - and she with them. One look at their snug white farmhouse and Anne knows she wants to stay forever. And the longer Anne stays, the harder it is for anyone to imagine Green Gables without her. A bestseller from the moment it was published over three-quarters of a century ago, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has allowed generations of children to grow up right along with Anne.

"The sweetest creation of child life yet written." (Mark Twain)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454937074
Publisher:	Sterling Children's Books
Publication date:	05/07/2019
Series:	Classic Starts® Series
Edition description:	Modern Retelling
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	215,146
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

One of the best-loved children's/young adult authors, Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30, 1874 in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Canada, the daughter of Hugh John and Clara Woolner. After attending Prince of Wales College and Dalhouse College in Halifax, she became a certified teacher, eventually teaching in Bideford, Prince Edward Island. She also served as an assistant at the post office and as a writer for the local newspaper, The Halifax Daily Echo. Best known for her Anne of Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables books, Montgomery received many high honors. She was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1923 and a Canadian stamp commemorates Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables. In addition, various museums dedicated to the book series and Montgomery's life dot Prince Edward Island. The books in the Anne series follow the growth and adventures of a red-haired, spritely, high-spirited and imaginative orphan named Anne who lives on Prince Edward Island. The success of these books rested in Montgomery's ability to vividly recollect childhood and her easy storytelling ability. They are tremendously popular to this day and have been translated into more than 35 languages and adapted as movies and PBS television productions. On July 5, 1911, L.M. Montgomery married Ewan Macdonald, a Presbyterian minister, and the marriage produced three children. She died on April 24, 1942.

Read an Excerpt

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert have asked the orphanage for a boy. So when spirited redheaded chatterbox Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables, the Cuthberts are shocked and try to take her back to the orphanage. Can Anne convince them to have a change of heart?

"There's been a mistake," Marilla said. "Matthew and I wanted you to bring us a boy. Can we send the child back?"

"I suppose so," said Mrs. Spencer thoughtfully. "But I don't think that will be necessary. Mrs. Blewett was here yesterday. She's looking for a child to help her. She has a large family, you know. And here comes Mrs. Blewett now!," she exclaimed. "We can settle the matter right away."

Mrs. Blewett darted her eyes over Anne from head to foot. "Humph! There's not much to you. But you're wiry, and the wiry ones can work the hardest. You'll have to be good and smart and respectful. I'll expect you to earn your keep. All right, I can take her home now."

Marilla looked down at Anne's pale, miserable face. "Well, I don't know," she said slowly. "I didn't say that we were absolutely not going to keep her. I think I'll take her home again and talk it over with Matthew."

Anne did not speak until she and Marilla were in the buggy, driving back to Green Gables. "I'd rather go back to the orphanage than live with that woman," Anne said firmly. "I'll do anything you want, if only you'll keep me."

Editorial Reviews

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 Reed Business Information.

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