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Dan in Green Gables: A Modern Reimagining of Anne of Green Gables
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 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.
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 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.
Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
29 people are currently reading
5422 people want to read
About the author
Rey Terciero
9 books163 followersRey Terciero is a penname of Rex Ogle.
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
December 12, 2025
Dan and his mother have always been a team, whether it be greasy meals at a diner, seedy motels or the wide open road - the two of them
always
had each other.
That is...until his mother decides to dump Dan with his grandparents. At first Dan is furious. He's queer and used to freedom, they are small-town uptight religious folks.
Yikes.
But the longer he stays, the more he begins to realize that all the freedom in the world didn't mean he was free. And sometimes, you need to settle down to go on your next adventure.
I'm not normally a graphic novel kind of gal...but I cannot resist a reimagining of one of my favorite tales.
Anne of Green Gables was a core pillar of my childhood (and adulthood). Her spunky attitude, unapologetic need to be herself and whimsy were all elements that I tried to emulate when I was younger.
So, when I stumbled upon Dan of Green Gables...I was intrigued. I liked Dan in this story - he emotes really well in the story and his development across the book worked well for me.
I liked how the story showed that Dan needed to compromise a bit for his grandparents, and his grandparents needed to bend a bit for him - and together they could find a way to form a family.
Overall, I thought this was a fun twist on an old classic.
That is...until his mother decides to dump Dan with his grandparents. At first Dan is furious. He's queer and used to freedom, they are small-town uptight religious folks.
Yikes.
But the longer he stays, the more he begins to realize that all the freedom in the world didn't mean he was free. And sometimes, you need to settle down to go on your next adventure.
I'm not normally a graphic novel kind of gal...but I cannot resist a reimagining of one of my favorite tales.
Anne of Green Gables was a core pillar of my childhood (and adulthood). Her spunky attitude, unapologetic need to be herself and whimsy were all elements that I tried to emulate when I was younger.
So, when I stumbled upon Dan of Green Gables...I was intrigued. I liked Dan in this story - he emotes really well in the story and his development across the book worked well for me.
I liked how the story showed that Dan needed to compromise a bit for his grandparents, and his grandparents needed to bend a bit for him - and together they could find a way to form a family.
Overall, I thought this was a fun twist on an old classic.
September 16, 2025
Ray Terciero, aka Rex Ogle (text) and Claudia Aguirre (artwork), their June 2025 young adult graphic novel Dan in Green Gables begins with fifteen-year-old Daniel Stewart-Álvarez' taciturn and alcoholic mother driving both of them to rural Tennessee, not really answering and also getting increasingly annoyed at and frustrated by her son's many and totally reasonable as well as justified questions (but that Dan is certainly happy to be near the Smoky Mountains as this is where his idol Dolly Parton grew up) and with them eventually turning up at the home of Rafaela (or Rain as she now wants to be called) Álvarez' long deceased husband’s estranged parents (and thus of course Dan's paternal grandparents). And Daniel, used to expressing himself totally freely and also endowed with a bouncily positive personality and a strong and solid sense of self (as while Rafaela might be annoyingly unstable, unreliable, moody and hugely narcissistic, she also has never attempted to all that much muzzle and to monitor her son's behaviour, perceptions and words) has more than a bit of difficulty meeting his kindly but overtly religious grandmother and his intolerant, rather bully of a grandfather (and that while Daniel Stewart-Álvarez knows his mother to be difficult at best and is always putting herself first, it is still majorly unexpected and traumatic for him when in Dan in Green Gables Rain simply deposits her son with his grandparents and leaves and that abandoning Dan is done with little to no regrets and with no maternal guilt either).
But just to point out that while Terciero's words and Aguirre's colourful artwork for Dan in Green Gables present a both textual and equally so visually lovely, delightfully enchanting homage to L.M. Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables, Dan in Green Gables is also and in my humble opinion not in any way a modern retelling of AOGG and that the only event in Dan in Green Gables which truly and directly mirrors Anne of Green Gables is when Daniel (like Anne Shirley does with Gilbert Blythe) is shown (at school) hitting football team player Birdie (who obviously has developed a crush on Daniel) over the head with a book for calling him carrots (and that like Anne Shirley, in Dan in Green Gables Daniel Stewart-Álvarez is depicted by both Ray Terciero's text and Claudia Aguirre's images as having flaming red hair, quite a volatile temper and being annoyed at having freckles). For yes, most of Dan in Green Gables as a graphic novel captures the charm of Anne of Green Gables and of Anne Shirley's effervescent personality in a fashion conscious, fun loving, often delightfully sure of himself, imaginative LGBTQ teenaged boy whose infectious energy and perseverance should enthral fans of Anne Shirley (and with Prince Edward Island being swapped for rural Tennessee, a setting that proves both delightful and challenging for Daniel), but that Dan in Green Gables is not Anne of Green Gables and that Daniel Stewart-Álvarez is not Anne Shirley and Anne Shirley is not Daniel Stewart-Álvarez. And indeed, I am definitely overjoyed that this is the case because while I have adored how text and images in Dan in Green Gables show a glorious tribute to L.M. Montgomery and to Anne of Green Gables, I would not have enjoyed a strict retelling nearly as much and I would also not all that much have liked Anne suddenly becoming an LGBTQ male teenager either, as that would for me majorly dilute Dan and make him just a pale and also a bit strange copy of Anne (and vice versa).
Now I do not want to provide too many spoilers, but in Dan in Green Gables, although Terciero's words and Angduirre's artwork show Daniel experiencing and having to overcome many obstacles and issues settling in with his grandparents (and especially regarding his overly conservative and rigidly puritanical grandfather), dealing with schoolyard bullying, religious extremism, homophobia and the like, he is shown as tackling each of these hurdles in stride with a plucky self confidence and an optimism that is refreshing to see in a young adult novel. But although cynical readers might consider this all a bit too positive, a bit too overly cheerful, I for one do beg to rather differ and to point out that we also need uplifting stories like Dan in Green Gables (well, uplifting for the most part), which is basically and delightfully a sweet and smile-inducing account showing with Daniel Stewart-Álvarez a queer youth who loves fashion, who dreams of visiting Dollywood and who overcomes his many struggles relatively easily (albeit also naturally), who ends up making and winning friends in rural Tennessee (even amongst the religiously puritanical), finding a true and actual home with his grandparents and who also elects to stay with them when his silly and neglectful mother suddenly returns and just assumes and even demands that Daniel will simply and even happily leave with her (as though nothing problematic had happened and as though Rain/Rafaela had not abandoned her son in the first place).
So yes, Ray Terciero depicts the struggles of his protagonist with sweet and passionate tenderness, striking an absolutely excellent balance between hardship and joy, with Dan in Green Gables never feeling either demoralising or too lighthearted (and that Daniel gradually learns to meet others where they are at while also always staying true to himself, allowing his relationships to blossom at a natural pace). And indeed and finally, Claudia Aguirre's loose and expressively colourful artwork for Dan in Green Gables, it makes both Daniel's personality and indeed everyone and everything visually shine and glow and that words and images in Dan in Green Gables reflect and expand each other, that both as a story in and of itself and as a celebration of the spirit of Anne of Green Gables both Terciero's text and Aguirre's pictures create an absolutely marvellous graphic novel with Dan in Green Gables that rates five stars for me (and is warmly recommended for both teenagers from about the age of thirteen or so onwards and for adult readers as well).
But just to point out that while Terciero's words and Aguirre's colourful artwork for Dan in Green Gables present a both textual and equally so visually lovely, delightfully enchanting homage to L.M. Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables, Dan in Green Gables is also and in my humble opinion not in any way a modern retelling of AOGG and that the only event in Dan in Green Gables which truly and directly mirrors Anne of Green Gables is when Daniel (like Anne Shirley does with Gilbert Blythe) is shown (at school) hitting football team player Birdie (who obviously has developed a crush on Daniel) over the head with a book for calling him carrots (and that like Anne Shirley, in Dan in Green Gables Daniel Stewart-Álvarez is depicted by both Ray Terciero's text and Claudia Aguirre's images as having flaming red hair, quite a volatile temper and being annoyed at having freckles). For yes, most of Dan in Green Gables as a graphic novel captures the charm of Anne of Green Gables and of Anne Shirley's effervescent personality in a fashion conscious, fun loving, often delightfully sure of himself, imaginative LGBTQ teenaged boy whose infectious energy and perseverance should enthral fans of Anne Shirley (and with Prince Edward Island being swapped for rural Tennessee, a setting that proves both delightful and challenging for Daniel), but that Dan in Green Gables is not Anne of Green Gables and that Daniel Stewart-Álvarez is not Anne Shirley and Anne Shirley is not Daniel Stewart-Álvarez. And indeed, I am definitely overjoyed that this is the case because while I have adored how text and images in Dan in Green Gables show a glorious tribute to L.M. Montgomery and to Anne of Green Gables, I would not have enjoyed a strict retelling nearly as much and I would also not all that much have liked Anne suddenly becoming an LGBTQ male teenager either, as that would for me majorly dilute Dan and make him just a pale and also a bit strange copy of Anne (and vice versa).
Now I do not want to provide too many spoilers, but in Dan in Green Gables, although Terciero's words and Angduirre's artwork show Daniel experiencing and having to overcome many obstacles and issues settling in with his grandparents (and especially regarding his overly conservative and rigidly puritanical grandfather), dealing with schoolyard bullying, religious extremism, homophobia and the like, he is shown as tackling each of these hurdles in stride with a plucky self confidence and an optimism that is refreshing to see in a young adult novel. But although cynical readers might consider this all a bit too positive, a bit too overly cheerful, I for one do beg to rather differ and to point out that we also need uplifting stories like Dan in Green Gables (well, uplifting for the most part), which is basically and delightfully a sweet and smile-inducing account showing with Daniel Stewart-Álvarez a queer youth who loves fashion, who dreams of visiting Dollywood and who overcomes his many struggles relatively easily (albeit also naturally), who ends up making and winning friends in rural Tennessee (even amongst the religiously puritanical), finding a true and actual home with his grandparents and who also elects to stay with them when his silly and neglectful mother suddenly returns and just assumes and even demands that Daniel will simply and even happily leave with her (as though nothing problematic had happened and as though Rain/Rafaela had not abandoned her son in the first place).
So yes, Ray Terciero depicts the struggles of his protagonist with sweet and passionate tenderness, striking an absolutely excellent balance between hardship and joy, with Dan in Green Gables never feeling either demoralising or too lighthearted (and that Daniel gradually learns to meet others where they are at while also always staying true to himself, allowing his relationships to blossom at a natural pace). And indeed and finally, Claudia Aguirre's loose and expressively colourful artwork for Dan in Green Gables, it makes both Daniel's personality and indeed everyone and everything visually shine and glow and that words and images in Dan in Green Gables reflect and expand each other, that both as a story in and of itself and as a celebration of the spirit of Anne of Green Gables both Terciero's text and Aguirre's pictures create an absolutely marvellous graphic novel with Dan in Green Gables that rates five stars for me (and is warmly recommended for both teenagers from about the age of thirteen or so onwards and for adult readers as well).
July 17, 2025
Anne Shirley works so well as an upbeat but temperamental gay teenaged boy with a fantastic fashion sense!
Rex Ogle (writing as Rey Terciero) mashes up elements and themes from his own hard life (definitely check out his series of memoirs about his childhood, BTW) with Canada's favorite orphan. He drops the result in the middle of Tennessee, but, shhh, don't tell Canada, because I hear they're still fuming over everything else that Trump wants to take away from them.
Dan Stewart-Alvarez gets dumped by his unstable and chaotic widowed mother on the grandparents he's never met at their farm on Green Gables Road. Like Anne before him, Dan overflows with imagination, stands up for himself, and slowly wins over people who initially balk at his looks and personality.
Ogle doesn't strictly adhere to L. M. Montgomery's characters and plot points, but he perfectly captures the spirit of the work while making it relevant and relatable for today's teens.
I'm impressed.
Rex Ogle (writing as Rey Terciero) mashes up elements and themes from his own hard life (definitely check out his series of memoirs about his childhood, BTW) with Canada's favorite orphan. He drops the result in the middle of Tennessee, but, shhh, don't tell Canada, because I hear they're still fuming over everything else that Trump wants to take away from them.
Dan Stewart-Alvarez gets dumped by his unstable and chaotic widowed mother on the grandparents he's never met at their farm on Green Gables Road. Like Anne before him, Dan overflows with imagination, stands up for himself, and slowly wins over people who initially balk at his looks and personality.
Ogle doesn't strictly adhere to L. M. Montgomery's characters and plot points, but he perfectly captures the spirit of the work while making it relevant and relatable for today's teens.
I'm impressed.
September 16, 2025
I haven’t read any of Rey’s written works before but honestly that didn’t matter all that much when I saw this retelling at my local library it was an immediate checkout for me, and what a worthwhile one it was at that! While Dan is obviously in many ways not Anne Shirley, nor are all their friends and family members represented in similar lights. Instead it’s more of a loving ode to green gables, with all these new characters and the town itself still positively dripping with that warmth, curiosity, and hopeful spirits that I’ve come to love and look forward to reading in Montgomery’s original treasured series. I couldn’t have guessed how moving, tear jerking, and how strong the message and even Dan was in this book and I’m so glad I got a chance to go through this graphic novel and now I’m definitely intrigued on his other “retellings”, honestly I wouldn’t be opposed to a continuation series on this one in its own universe either if I’m being totally honest.
July 2, 2025
Rey Terciero is absolutely amazing at writing classic retellings
June 24, 2025
I love Anne of Green Gables through and through, and I definitely struggled to find the connection between Anne and Dan. I felt like this story failed to capture the spirit of Anne. I know it’s a modern reimagining, but Anne and Dan felt like entirely different characters, and the side characters did not feel familiar at all. The essence of Green Gables just wasn’t there.
While I don’t think this should have been marketed as a reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, I do appreciate Dan as is own individual character. If you are looking for a story with a fierce and fiery character, Dan is definitely that. Overall, this is a very heartwarming LGBTQ+ story and the graphics are great as well!
I would recommend the overall story, I just wouldn’t recommend it for those solely looking to read it because of Anne
While I don’t think this should have been marketed as a reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, I do appreciate Dan as is own individual character. If you are looking for a story with a fierce and fiery character, Dan is definitely that. Overall, this is a very heartwarming LGBTQ+ story and the graphics are great as well!
I would recommend the overall story, I just wouldn’t recommend it for those solely looking to read it because of Anne
October 26, 2025
This was a pretty great reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. There are obvious differences in the Dan’s character as most of his upbringing seems to based on the author’s personal story. However, the spirit of Anne Shirley shined bright through Dan’s determination to take hold of happiness for himself and help others see the beauty in the world. I especially loved Dan’s relationship with his grandmother. It gave me similar heartwarming feels when I think of Anne and Matthew together. I felt like Dan in Green Gables captures Anne Shirley’s spirit while being its own story for readers unfamiliar with Anne of Green Gables. I think Ms. Montgomery would be proud. 🥹
Also, I really loved the art style. Definitely made the story pop in the best way!
Also, I really loved the art style. Definitely made the story pop in the best way!
July 1, 2025
I’ve read four modern queer Anne of Green Gables retellings, and this was by far my favourite.
September 14, 2025
It can be hard to do reimaginings and do the OG piece justice but this graphic novel doesn’t miss the mark. If there’s anything better than a bulls eye this is it! I especially loved the letters from the author at the end — cried my way through the story and the after pieces. It was such a lovely piece of work.
September 25, 2025
I really liked this one! It's probably my own small town, rural background, but this felt close to home.
October 11, 2025
I lovedddddd ittttttt! As others have noted, this is far from a one-to-one adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, but it sure captured the vibes! Art is incredible, and loved the 1995 Tennessee setting
October 4, 2025
god i really really loved this. the front cover gives the impression the art is meh (the face is a little agh) but the inside is sooooo beautiful, esp the nature stuff but the character art is great too. just a lovely adaptation, done so well. great story, vibrant characters, lots of strong themes about acceptance and grief and family. teared up a few times!! just an outstanding graphic novel
August 6, 2025
Wow! Just wow!
You never really know what an author’s interpretation of a classic is going to look like. Depending on a lot of factors, it could be similar or not in the least. It could just reinterpret the characters and their personalities. It could just be the setting. So what I’m saying is you never know what you’re getting when you step into a retelling.
I knew going into this that it would be queer in some way. Most of the books that I’m recommended are of the rainbow variety. Finding out that our MC, Dan, is in fact a boy-loving femme boy with a flare for fashion was an absolute joy. Now the trials and tribulations of a fruity kid in the middle of nowhere living on a farm could literally be on tv neowwww! I was thinking Hart of Dixie or Gilmore Girls style series with a lot of great vintage fashion and farm-chic. But I digress…
Dan has spent 15 years on the road with his mother. We start the story as they are arriving at his paternal grandparent’s home, not really knowing the extent of what a nomad life was like for them. We learn little by little how hard it was living out of a car, his mom not remembering the important things, and the suffering of a child growing up far too quickly. The results are someone who is quick to pick a fight to show that he isn’t to be messed with, queer or not. But the one good thing that everything has taught him is how to cherish friendship and relationships for how ever long you may have them.
Dan is that person we all wish we were. He is undoubtedly himself no matter who it may bother. He sticks up for anyone who needs a friend and never lets the bullies win. He’s kind of always iconic and I love that about him. I wish I was him in a lot of ways. I hope so many kids read this and want to emulate him or see themselves in these characters, because that’s what these stories are for. Finding yourself and seeing yourself between the pages.
I absolutely LOVE the art in Dan of Green Gables. It is beautiful and vibrant and everything that Dan’s story should be.
I cannot recommend this book enough! All the stars!
You never really know what an author’s interpretation of a classic is going to look like. Depending on a lot of factors, it could be similar or not in the least. It could just reinterpret the characters and their personalities. It could just be the setting. So what I’m saying is you never know what you’re getting when you step into a retelling.
I knew going into this that it would be queer in some way. Most of the books that I’m recommended are of the rainbow variety. Finding out that our MC, Dan, is in fact a boy-loving femme boy with a flare for fashion was an absolute joy. Now the trials and tribulations of a fruity kid in the middle of nowhere living on a farm could literally be on tv neowwww! I was thinking Hart of Dixie or Gilmore Girls style series with a lot of great vintage fashion and farm-chic. But I digress…
Dan has spent 15 years on the road with his mother. We start the story as they are arriving at his paternal grandparent’s home, not really knowing the extent of what a nomad life was like for them. We learn little by little how hard it was living out of a car, his mom not remembering the important things, and the suffering of a child growing up far too quickly. The results are someone who is quick to pick a fight to show that he isn’t to be messed with, queer or not. But the one good thing that everything has taught him is how to cherish friendship and relationships for how ever long you may have them.
Dan is that person we all wish we were. He is undoubtedly himself no matter who it may bother. He sticks up for anyone who needs a friend and never lets the bullies win. He’s kind of always iconic and I love that about him. I wish I was him in a lot of ways. I hope so many kids read this and want to emulate him or see themselves in these characters, because that’s what these stories are for. Finding yourself and seeing yourself between the pages.
I absolutely LOVE the art in Dan of Green Gables. It is beautiful and vibrant and everything that Dan’s story should be.
I cannot recommend this book enough! All the stars!
October 1, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. I have been looking forward to this since it was first announced. I have to say I was a bit disappointed. Maybe it was too far away from the original story? I loved the queer twist and I know the old guy in AoGG was an ass to begin with but the grandpa in this story is pretty much until the end. And it was waaaaaay more religious than I was expecting. I haven't read the books or seen the movie in decades so maybe that was part of it but I don't have that memory of it. The art was decent but the different font colors got annoying when they were light and hard to read. As an homage graphic novel this wasn't one of my favorites that I've read but it was a decent LGBTQ retelling anyway.
Want to read
April 17, 2022From the rights report:"A twist on Anne of Green Gables, this YA graphic novel tells the story of a queer, half-Mexican teenager named Dan who is forced to live with his grandparents in rural Tennessee when his mother abandons him. With the help of his Mawmaw and his new friends, Dan makes an unlikely home for himself at 1600 Green Gables."
June 21, 2025
Dan in Green Gables had some heavy topics, but still a very solid book. The artwork was amazing and the story was really good. I think this was a great book to read during Pride month. It highlights the difficulties that queer people face on a daily basis, while emphasizing the importance for being true to yourself and rising above.
September 29, 2023
So excited for another Rey Terciero book!! Just finished Northranger and it was awesome!!
June 14, 2025
Perfect for a budding middle/high school LGBTQ+ youth! Covers many topics around bullying, coming out and family acceptance. Thoroughly enjoyable by an adult as well!
July 21, 2025
Solid Anne retelling/reimagining about a queer kid in the 80s. Made me laugh and tear up!
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August 20, 2025
This was so good. I loved it. I teared up a few times.
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed this adaptation of Anne of Green Gables! It follows Dan, a teen who is reconnected with his grandparents due to his troubling home life. His new life isn't easy, as a queer person now living in a Southern religious community, Dan juggles with staying true to his beliefs, accepting community social roles, and the trauma of his past life. Thankfully, Dan's spirit is never dampened, he always strives to leaves things better than they are. I think this is worth a read!
October 14, 2025
They say you shouldn't touch a classic, but this was perfection. Handled so delicately, and still captured the essence of Anne that we all love.
October 12, 2025
really sweet retelling
October 10, 2025
Another sweet and queer modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. Well written and drawn. I just didn't relate a lot to the American small town Christianity stuff
October 7, 2025
I laughed, I cried, I thoroughly enjoyed Dan’s story. It resonated so deeply with me. The art was so beautiful and I loved how the plot developed in the novel. I am very excited yo read more interpretations from this author. Truly stunning.❤️
October 6, 2025
Oh this book was absolutely precious. It broke my heart and healed it at the same time. More queer centered books for young audiences please!!
June 3, 2025
A heartfelt homage to resilience, chosen family, and finding light in the darkest corners of youth.
In Dan in Green Gables, Rey Terciero reimagines the classic Anne of Green Gables through the lens of a 1990s queer teen navigating trauma, identity, and hope. The result is a deeply moving graphic novel that pays tribute to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved tale while carving out an entirely new, timely, and powerful story of its own.
Dan, a witty and resilient young man, is dropped off at his grandparents’ home after years of neglect by his alcoholic mother. He doesn’t remember these relatives—especially not his stern and openly homophobic grandfather—and the transition is far from easy. As he faces relentless bullying at school and judgment at home, Dan still manages to show up with kindness, courage, and charm. His vulnerability and humor shine through in every panel, making him a protagonist readers will instantly root for.
Much like Anne Shirley, Dan learns what it means to build a home, not from where he came, but from the love he cultivates. Yet this journey doesn’t gloss over pain. The emotional toll of his upbringing, the hostility he endures, and the complexity of his relationships are all depicted with honesty and care. What’s most inspiring is how Dan doesn’t just survive—he thrives, and in doing so, uplifts others too.
The emotional weight of the story deepens with the author’s note at the end. Terciero shares that Dan in Green Gables is largely autobiographical—only in real life, there was no safety net. His refuge was the original Anne of Green Gables, a story that offered him solace during his own cold, lonely nights. Knowing this adds an extra layer of poignancy to the book, reminding us that while fiction can be a lifeline, many kids still have to climb out of trauma on their own.
This graphic novel is a tender, powerful tribute to anyone who’s had to build happiness from scratch. It’s a reminder that, like Dan, we all deserve love, safety, and a chance to be seen as we truly are. Not every story has a fairy-tale ending—but Dan in Green Gables offers readers a beacon of hope, strength, and the transformative power of empathy.
Recommended for:
Teens and adults alike, especially fans of queer coming-of-age stories, graphic memoirs, or Anne of Green Gables. Ideal for readers who believe in the power of found family and the long, brave road to self-acceptance.
In Dan in Green Gables, Rey Terciero reimagines the classic Anne of Green Gables through the lens of a 1990s queer teen navigating trauma, identity, and hope. The result is a deeply moving graphic novel that pays tribute to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved tale while carving out an entirely new, timely, and powerful story of its own.
Dan, a witty and resilient young man, is dropped off at his grandparents’ home after years of neglect by his alcoholic mother. He doesn’t remember these relatives—especially not his stern and openly homophobic grandfather—and the transition is far from easy. As he faces relentless bullying at school and judgment at home, Dan still manages to show up with kindness, courage, and charm. His vulnerability and humor shine through in every panel, making him a protagonist readers will instantly root for.
Much like Anne Shirley, Dan learns what it means to build a home, not from where he came, but from the love he cultivates. Yet this journey doesn’t gloss over pain. The emotional toll of his upbringing, the hostility he endures, and the complexity of his relationships are all depicted with honesty and care. What’s most inspiring is how Dan doesn’t just survive—he thrives, and in doing so, uplifts others too.
The emotional weight of the story deepens with the author’s note at the end. Terciero shares that Dan in Green Gables is largely autobiographical—only in real life, there was no safety net. His refuge was the original Anne of Green Gables, a story that offered him solace during his own cold, lonely nights. Knowing this adds an extra layer of poignancy to the book, reminding us that while fiction can be a lifeline, many kids still have to climb out of trauma on their own.
This graphic novel is a tender, powerful tribute to anyone who’s had to build happiness from scratch. It’s a reminder that, like Dan, we all deserve love, safety, and a chance to be seen as we truly are. Not every story has a fairy-tale ending—but Dan in Green Gables offers readers a beacon of hope, strength, and the transformative power of empathy.
Recommended for:
Teens and adults alike, especially fans of queer coming-of-age stories, graphic memoirs, or Anne of Green Gables. Ideal for readers who believe in the power of found family and the long, brave road to self-acceptance.
September 7, 2025
4 stars for the cozy feels and beautiful colors. Spoilers ahead:
I know I might be the only person in the reviews to say this, but I actually picked this up because I am NOT a fan of Anne of Green Gables ( ≧ᗜ≦) I usually LOVE those children's classics, but I couldn't with this one. I've tried the book, I've tried the show, I've tried the manga, but I've never been able to finish or enjoy ANY version of this story. This was essentially attempt number 4, and I'm glad to say that I did have fun with it.
I saw people complaining that the story lacked the magic of Anne, but I would have to respectfully disagree. I think this story manages to do what, in my humble opinion, Anne could not. Dan feels like a likable, REAL character who is different and outspoken enough that it constantly gets him in trouble, but in real, relatable ways. I also completely see where the inspiration from Anne of Green Gables came from, and I thought those details were implemented really well. I saw someone comparing Dan's grandfather to Matthew, but I thought it was obvious that he was supposed to be Marilla. Details like that which stay true to the time period and location this is set in. I loved how genuine and kind and empathetic and sweet Dan was, I loved the friends he made, I loved his mawmaw, and I loved the cute little romance with Birdie.
My biggest issue is that it felt like SO many problems never got resolved. The pastor's homophobia? The bullies? The grandfather's actions? I just felt like most issues were either glossed over or ignored altogether, and was the lesson supposed to be that Dan forcing himself to stay quiet in the face of the pastor's homophobic sermons, was that supposed to be a good thing? If we'd had one instance of Dan's grandfather defending him to the pastor, just one, it might've been enough, but we don't even get that.
The art was gorgeous, the colors were so cozy and stunning, and most of the characters were really likable. I just felt like we spent 95% of the book on some people's horrible behavior, and 5% trying to resolve it all, and it wasn't nearly enough time. So basically, my biggest criticism of the book is that it wasn't longer. I overall did enjoy the story, and I'm so glad that I can finally, FINALLY say that there is a version of Anne of Green Gables that I really liked.
I know I might be the only person in the reviews to say this, but I actually picked this up because I am NOT a fan of Anne of Green Gables ( ≧ᗜ≦) I usually LOVE those children's classics, but I couldn't with this one. I've tried the book, I've tried the show, I've tried the manga, but I've never been able to finish or enjoy ANY version of this story. This was essentially attempt number 4, and I'm glad to say that I did have fun with it.
I saw people complaining that the story lacked the magic of Anne, but I would have to respectfully disagree. I think this story manages to do what, in my humble opinion, Anne could not. Dan feels like a likable, REAL character who is different and outspoken enough that it constantly gets him in trouble, but in real, relatable ways. I also completely see where the inspiration from Anne of Green Gables came from, and I thought those details were implemented really well. I saw someone comparing Dan's grandfather to Matthew, but I thought it was obvious that he was supposed to be Marilla. Details like that which stay true to the time period and location this is set in. I loved how genuine and kind and empathetic and sweet Dan was, I loved the friends he made, I loved his mawmaw, and I loved the cute little romance with Birdie.
My biggest issue is that it felt like SO many problems never got resolved. The pastor's homophobia? The bullies? The grandfather's actions? I just felt like most issues were either glossed over or ignored altogether, and was the lesson supposed to be that Dan forcing himself to stay quiet in the face of the pastor's homophobic sermons, was that supposed to be a good thing? If we'd had one instance of Dan's grandfather defending him to the pastor, just one, it might've been enough, but we don't even get that.
The art was gorgeous, the colors were so cozy and stunning, and most of the characters were really likable. I just felt like we spent 95% of the book on some people's horrible behavior, and 5% trying to resolve it all, and it wasn't nearly enough time. So basically, my biggest criticism of the book is that it wasn't longer. I overall did enjoy the story, and I'm so glad that I can finally, FINALLY say that there is a version of Anne of Green Gables that I really liked.
September 17, 2025
This was so sweet! I don’t know anything about Zane of Green Gables and have never read or seen an adaption of it so I was in the dark for that part of it. I loved Dan. He was able to be himself while also overcoming and adapting without losing himself in the process. Dan’s grandmother was the cutest person ever. She was so sympathetic and loving and she was willing to be there for him as soon as he showed up. His mother seemed awful like abandoning your son with strangers is so sad. I’m glad he was able to grow and find his friends/community. His grandfather was pissing me off but their relationship growth was another great part of the story. The ending was so cute my eyes were watering. Loved it!!
July 31, 2025
So I really enjoyed this book and thought it touched on a lot of interesting things: generational trauma, complicated feelings about family/chosen family, the ability to grow as a person at any age, and other similar themes. However, my partner (who is a big Anne of Green Gables fan) found it disappointing and didn't finish it because it was depressing and not much like the original it was supposedly reimagining. I didn't particularly enjoy Anne of Green Gables as a kid, so I did not have this issue - I enjoyed it as an exploration of queer experiences in the modern era. So, strangely, based on our experiences, you might like this book better if you are NOT an Anne of Green Gables fan than if you are. I would say that one of the primary things I remember about Anne was that she was extremely imaginative and had a lot of flights of fancy (being an extremely literal kid, I didn't really like this) - this doesn't show up at all in this retelling, which is part of why my partner didn't like it. Dan has a lot of anger and trauma, which is real and valid but is a big part of why this book doesn't really align well with the vibes of the original.
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