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Anne of Green Gables
Following Sterling's spectacularly successful launch of its children's classic novels (240,000 books in print to date), comes a dazzling new series: " Classic Starts." The stories are abridged; the quality is complete. "Classic Starts" treats the world's beloved tales (and children) with the respect they deserve--all at an incomparable price.
Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale, with its engaging heroine and evocative description of the Prince Edward Island landscape, never fails to delight youngsters. When Matthew Cuthbert goes to the train station to pick up the orphan he and his sister Marilla plan to adopt, he expects to meet a boy who can help on the family farm. Instead it's Anne--a talkative, dreamy, red-haired, freckle-faced 11-year-old little girl who transforms the Cuthberts' life forever and fills it with love and joy.
Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale, with its engaging heroine and evocative description of the Prince Edward Island landscape, never fails to delight youngsters. When Matthew Cuthbert goes to the train station to pick up the orphan he and his sister Marilla plan to adopt, he expects to meet a boy who can help on the family farm. Instead it's Anne--a talkative, dreamy, red-haired, freckle-faced 11-year-old little girl who transforms the Cuthberts' life forever and fills it with love and joy.
153 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2005
54 people are currently reading
1422 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Olmstead
68 books20 followersKathleen Olmstead is the author of several Classic Starts books, including Anne of Avonlea and Moby Dick, as well as Jacques Cousteau: A Life Under the Sea and Matthew Henson: The Quest for the North Pole, both in the Sterling Biographies series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 22, 2017
A much enjoyed reread of one of the best books from my youth.
Who cannot love this classic who made a dedicated book lover out of me? It was a joy to reconnect.
I don't want to say much. Those who take reading seriously, will know where I come from in my thoughts.
Who cannot love this classic who made a dedicated book lover out of me? It was a joy to reconnect.
I don't want to say much. Those who take reading seriously, will know where I come from in my thoughts.
September 2, 2024
Total Average| ⭐⭐⭐ | 3.2 Stars
This was a very charming book. I didn’t realize I was reading the classic starts version which is half the number of pages and meant for little children. I wish I had realized BEFORE I was reviewing the book because I did really enjoy the book. Anne is adorable and I would LOVE to read this book to my nephew. The images are super charming and I can see myself in Anne. I don’t think I will go on to read the full version but I am definitely going to watch the show! It was a very nice comfort read for when I needed to decompress and did not want to pay close attention to a book.
Plot | ⭐⭐⭐ .5
Characters |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Attachment |⭐⭐.5
Setting |⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style |⭐.5
Pacing |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Originality |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotional Impact |⭐⭐.5
Overall Enjoyment |⭐⭐⭐
Ending |⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a very charming book. I didn’t realize I was reading the classic starts version which is half the number of pages and meant for little children. I wish I had realized BEFORE I was reviewing the book because I did really enjoy the book. Anne is adorable and I would LOVE to read this book to my nephew. The images are super charming and I can see myself in Anne. I don’t think I will go on to read the full version but I am definitely going to watch the show! It was a very nice comfort read for when I needed to decompress and did not want to pay close attention to a book.
Plot | ⭐⭐⭐ .5
Characters |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Attachment |⭐⭐.5
Setting |⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style |⭐.5
Pacing |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Originality |⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotional Impact |⭐⭐.5
Overall Enjoyment |⭐⭐⭐
Ending |⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 26, 2014
I smiled when I saw a GR's friend re-read this book!
Aw......"memories-with-my-daughters": Good times!
Aw......"memories-with-my-daughters": Good times!
October 10, 2018
There's no doubt I love Anne of Green Gables so much.
Since I gave 5 stars to it!!
This is the retold story of Anne of Green Gables.
Anne arrived at Green Gables by mistake, since the Cuthburt wanted to adopt the orphan to help them with farming.
Anne was eager to set foot and begin her new life in Avonlea, then she found out she wasn't the one they needed.
Until her fate twisted, Green Gables is finally, what she called, home.
I like how Anne Shirley very much, she reminded me of a young girl whom people think she is full of hot air, but she is the person who cheers everybody up.
Anne Shirley wanted to prove herself that she would not let everybody down, so she decided to excel most of the classes.
Then she finally found her rival, Gilbert Blythe, the one who pulled her braid and said "Carrots".
She decided to ignore him and excel in every class as possible.
For five years, she ignored him.
For five years, he dreaded to befriend with her, and help her from afar.
This story has taught me that love is not always coming at the speed of light, or maybe at love at first sight.
Love takes time. When you acknowledge it, it will be so hard for you to stay away from the feeling.
OMG, I feel myself talking too romantic as if I am not myself.
I look forward to reading the full story of Anne Shirley more.
I am addicted to it.
I am addicted to my red-haired Anne Shirley.
I am addicted to my Gilbert Blythe.
I am addicted to Avonlea.
Everything in this just gave me imagination of love in the different ways.
And I couldn't contain myself to dig a little bit deeper into the story.
Since I gave 5 stars to it!!
This is the retold story of Anne of Green Gables.
Anne arrived at Green Gables by mistake, since the Cuthburt wanted to adopt the orphan to help them with farming.
Anne was eager to set foot and begin her new life in Avonlea, then she found out she wasn't the one they needed.
Until her fate twisted, Green Gables is finally, what she called, home.
I like how Anne Shirley very much, she reminded me of a young girl whom people think she is full of hot air, but she is the person who cheers everybody up.
Anne Shirley wanted to prove herself that she would not let everybody down, so she decided to excel most of the classes.
Then she finally found her rival, Gilbert Blythe, the one who pulled her braid and said "Carrots".
She decided to ignore him and excel in every class as possible.
For five years, she ignored him.
For five years, he dreaded to befriend with her, and help her from afar.
This story has taught me that love is not always coming at the speed of light, or maybe at love at first sight.
Love takes time. When you acknowledge it, it will be so hard for you to stay away from the feeling.
OMG, I feel myself talking too romantic as if I am not myself.
I look forward to reading the full story of Anne Shirley more.
I am addicted to it.
I am addicted to my red-haired Anne Shirley.
I am addicted to my Gilbert Blythe.
I am addicted to Avonlea.
Everything in this just gave me imagination of love in the different ways.
And I couldn't contain myself to dig a little bit deeper into the story.
January 2, 2015
Great read with my 9 year old! We liked discussing pioneer days and comparing it to present day.
April 14, 2018
Very adorable and lovely book and characters!
April 23, 2024
Absolutely obsessed with this story, but this version just cut too much out. I get it’s abridged and a lot less wordy than the original, but I was hoping that they’d keep more in than they did. I read this to my fifth grade class. They enjoyed it but a lot of the charm from the original was missing here. I’m still grateful they created a version for younger kids that give them at least some introduction to Anne.
Read
August 7, 2021got bored and read this like in 20 minutes
December 18, 2025
Anne has a special place in my heart and I just love the way this series is simplified for young readers.
March 12, 2023
2nd Classic Starts chapter book we finished! My 4 year old is really loving these
April 23, 2018
I love Anne of Green Gables. I grew up with this classic. I remembered loving it as a child and wanted to read the children's edition.
You can not help but to love Anne with an "E" She is so full of life and has such a free spirit.
You can not help but to love Anne with an "E" She is so full of life and has such a free spirit.
Read
January 10, 2011This is one of my favorite books to read. It's a great one to go back to.
June 17, 2017
Adorável!
November 20, 2017
Summary:
Anne of Green Gables is about the adventures of spunky, freckled redheaded girl named Anne (with an E) at Green Gables, a farm near Avonlea, Prince Edward Island in Canada. When Anne finds out that the Cuthberts who she is she is staying with desired to adopt a son instead, she seeks their approval and pulls out all the stops to win them over.
Characteristics that Support the Genre:
This story has been passed down through generations and is relatable to everyone.
Mentor Writing Traits:
The ideas or themes of Anne of Green Gables are the conflict between imagination and social expectations and sentimentality versus emotions. This text can be used as a concrete example of word choice because the author used language effectively and carefully selected rich, colorful, precise, purposeful, and descriptive words that paint a picture and get readers to fall in love with Anne just as the Cuthberts do. There are a lot of vocabulary words in this book! The author also uses everyday words well.
Classroom Integration:
This book is very appropriate for upper elementary students. As they read the book, use the text to teach vocabulary and assign reading questions, discussion questions, and journal entries. Include fun activities that go along with the chapters.
Other Suggestions:
- Have students research the history, economy and anything else interesting about Prince Edward Island, Canada and create a posterboard.
- Bring crabapple tarts to share with the class
- Have students write their own James Thompson-styled poems
- Have students research the real home of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
- Have students do a one-age report on one of the types of flowers mentioned in the book.
- Have students do a character analysis of Rachel Lynde.
- Have students write a short description of someone they know who is a "kindred spirit."
- Have students complete Diana's poem on page 152 by adding their own words to the poem.
- Have students do research on ghosts.
- Have students memorize a poem of their choice and recite it in front of the class.
- Have students research diseases of the 1800's and discuss past and present treatment methods.
Grade Level: 6-8
Guided Reading Level: G
Anne of Green Gables is about the adventures of spunky, freckled redheaded girl named Anne (with an E) at Green Gables, a farm near Avonlea, Prince Edward Island in Canada. When Anne finds out that the Cuthberts who she is she is staying with desired to adopt a son instead, she seeks their approval and pulls out all the stops to win them over.
Characteristics that Support the Genre:
This story has been passed down through generations and is relatable to everyone.
Mentor Writing Traits:
The ideas or themes of Anne of Green Gables are the conflict between imagination and social expectations and sentimentality versus emotions. This text can be used as a concrete example of word choice because the author used language effectively and carefully selected rich, colorful, precise, purposeful, and descriptive words that paint a picture and get readers to fall in love with Anne just as the Cuthberts do. There are a lot of vocabulary words in this book! The author also uses everyday words well.
Classroom Integration:
This book is very appropriate for upper elementary students. As they read the book, use the text to teach vocabulary and assign reading questions, discussion questions, and journal entries. Include fun activities that go along with the chapters.
Other Suggestions:
- Have students research the history, economy and anything else interesting about Prince Edward Island, Canada and create a posterboard.
- Bring crabapple tarts to share with the class
- Have students write their own James Thompson-styled poems
- Have students research the real home of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
- Have students do a one-age report on one of the types of flowers mentioned in the book.
- Have students do a character analysis of Rachel Lynde.
- Have students write a short description of someone they know who is a "kindred spirit."
- Have students complete Diana's poem on page 152 by adding their own words to the poem.
- Have students do research on ghosts.
- Have students memorize a poem of their choice and recite it in front of the class.
- Have students research diseases of the 1800's and discuss past and present treatment methods.
Grade Level: 6-8
Guided Reading Level: G
November 16, 2017
Anne was not what Matthew and Marilla were expecting. They had requested a boy from the orphanage. Anne is a breath of fresh air. She joy for life shines bright. Instead of sending her back to the orphanage, the Cuthbert siblings decide to keep her.
Writing traits:
1- Word choice- Anne describes everything around her beautifully. Anne's positivity shines through because of the words the author uses.
2- Ideas- Anne's attitude is a good example for young readers to learn from. When faced with disappointment she still find ways to find the good in things.
3- This book shows the student how to write using a lot of conversation with the characters along with narratives.
Classroom use:
I would hope that reading this book would inspire young readers to want to read the original some day. This is such classic book and Anne is such a positive character. If students are drawn to this book it is just one in a series so they have many books to enjoy.
Students could take another book that has some negative events and re-write it in the voice of Anne. It would be a good lesson on how to turn something negative into something positive. I would also review how to write from another point of view.
Reading Level: 3.9
Writing traits:
1- Word choice- Anne describes everything around her beautifully. Anne's positivity shines through because of the words the author uses.
2- Ideas- Anne's attitude is a good example for young readers to learn from. When faced with disappointment she still find ways to find the good in things.
3- This book shows the student how to write using a lot of conversation with the characters along with narratives.
Classroom use:
I would hope that reading this book would inspire young readers to want to read the original some day. This is such classic book and Anne is such a positive character. If students are drawn to this book it is just one in a series so they have many books to enjoy.
Students could take another book that has some negative events and re-write it in the voice of Anne. It would be a good lesson on how to turn something negative into something positive. I would also review how to write from another point of view.
Reading Level: 3.9
October 11, 2022
Read this aloud to J during her 4th grade year. We accidentally read Anne of Avonlea first, but this is the first book. Now we know that Anne was adopted by Matthew and Marilla - a brother and sister living together as they never married or had kids of their own. They asked the orphanage for a boy (to help Matthew with the chores on their farm), but instead Anne was sent. They didn't want to leave her at the train station, so they took her home and planned to return her later. But they ended up keeping her as they became endeared by her talkative nature and her big imagination and her excitement about life. It's fun to read how serious Marilla is and how she really doesn't know how to be a "mom" figure to Anne. But Matthew is immediately taken with and charmed with Anne. They eventually become a sweet family of three and are happy to be together. Anne meets her best friend, Diana, who lives nearby. Anne has adventures as she goes to her first ice cream social and goes to school. It's a great story of stories. We watched the movie and it was great, too, and very much in line with the book.
October 13, 2022
Read this aloud to J during her 4th grade year. We accidentally read Anne of Avonlea first, but this is the first book. Now we know that Anne was adopted by Matthew and Marilla - a brother and sister living together as they never married or had kids of their own. They asked the orphanage for a boy (to help Matthew with the chores on their farm), but instead Anne was sent. They didn't want to leave her at the train station, so they took her home and planned to return her later. But they ended up keeping her as they became endeared by her talkative nature and her big imagination and her excitement about life. It's fun to read how serious Marilla is and how she really doesn't know how to be a "mom" figure to Anne. But Matthew is immediately taken with and charmed with Anne. They eventually become a sweet family of three and are happy to be together. Anne meets her best friend, Diana, who lives nearby. Anne has adventures as she goes to her first ice cream social and goes to school. It's a great story of stories. We watched the movie and it was great, too, and very much in line with the book.
January 10, 2019
I absolutely adore this book! I originally watched the T.V series before finding out that there was a book, and it honestly changed my perspective on everything! It showed me how her relationships with those around her developed over the years and how difficult it could be growing up feeling alone. It made me cry, made me happy, sad, angry, and everything in between! I feel that it is such an important book for young girls because it shows the point of view of a young girl growing up in, essentially, a new world. It shows how she went through life with a smile on her face, staying inspired and curious, and how important it was to try to honor her loved ones and make them proud. It also shows how she succeeded, despite the gender stereotypes back then, by showing her intelligence, and how insightful she was in her studies of literature. I would definitely recommended Anne of Green Gables to young girls everywhere. It is considered a classic because it celebrates being fiesty, caring, intelligent, and, more importantly, passionate about life.
June 24, 2019
This book is about a brother and sister, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. They heard that a friend was going to an orphanage for a child and they decided that since Matthew was getting older (around 60) they should adopt a boy to help them on their farm. The only problem is that when Matthew gets to the train station to pick up the boy, it is not a boy at all, but a girl named Anne.
I enjoy the classic starts collection. It gives children a chance to read classic stories in an easy to follow text. The vocab used is not too challenging, so I feel that students of around 3rd to 4th grade would be able to read this book with no hesitations.
I enjoy the classic starts collection. It gives children a chance to read classic stories in an easy to follow text. The vocab used is not too challenging, so I feel that students of around 3rd to 4th grade would be able to read this book with no hesitations.
August 21, 2022
This is Classic Starts abridged version for kids- I think it's rated as appropriate for Gr 3. But it's PERFECT as an easy-read introduction to classic literature for my just-starting middle school daughter. We both LOVED the book and are enjoying the Anne with an E Netflix series (note- the series has some unexpected PG (i.e. sexual allusions) and racial topics, getting your period for the 1st time, lightly touches LGBTQ, and is certainly darker than the book but positively delves deeper into secondary characters and a good series, funny too). Fantastic abridged book! Now I'll have to read the "real" classic.
June 28, 2023
My mother stumbled upon the abridged version of this classic and gifted it to me when we reunited after a long holiday. I was 7 when Anne and Green Gables tiptoed their way into my life and my heart, there's been no turning back since then. Picked it up again and it hit oh so close to home.
The simple, little not so little joys, the ordinarily extraordinary lives led by the characters, what's not to love about this book? I can't wait to get my hands on the unabridged books and devour them again!
The simple, little not so little joys, the ordinarily extraordinary lives led by the characters, what's not to love about this book? I can't wait to get my hands on the unabridged books and devour them again!
February 24, 2018
The reason that I only gave this book three stars, is not because I didn't really enjoy it, I did. I feel like I could have read the original story, instead of this one. I feel that everything happened too fast, and it didn't give you enough time to enjoy the things that happened as they happened. But, besides that, I very much liked this book. I love the story itself. I definitely do not regret reading it!
August 28, 2020
This book was extremely captivating. I highly recommend this book for many ages and I'm almost 30. Throughout reading this masterpiece I read some of it to my 9 and 4 year old daughters to get them into reading more. Needless to say that they loved it too. I just wish Montgomery could know about how many hearts she captivated with this story.
September 25, 2020
A good condensed version with language suitable for young readers & their introduction to classic literature.
I was reminded what a positive attitude & gratitude Anne had for all things & the landscape around her. A good read for children about a likable character.
I would love to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
I was reminded what a positive attitude & gratitude Anne had for all things & the landscape around her. A good read for children about a likable character.
I would love to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
June 21, 2022
Okey, para estar saliendo de un bloqueo creo que estuvo bien Jeje
Me gustó mucho, aunque si me hubiera gustado conocer más acerca de algunos puntos que tocaba Jaja
Pero que esperaba de un libro de 153 paginas.
Aparte ya por fin me anime a leer en inglés y me siento bien por hacerlo 👉🏻👈🏻
Los tqm Anne 🧡
Me gustó mucho, aunque si me hubiera gustado conocer más acerca de algunos puntos que tocaba Jaja
Pero que esperaba de un libro de 153 paginas.
Aparte ya por fin me anime a leer en inglés y me siento bien por hacerlo 👉🏻👈🏻
Los tqm Anne 🧡
August 4, 2024
What made rereading Anne Of Green Gables special this time is that I read it to my daughter while staying at a seaside cottage in PEI. It was magical and my daughter seemed to enjoy it also. The book is really great. Anne "with an E" is such a fun and loveable character and the story very heartwarming. I plan on reading the Other Anne books later on. Maybe on my next vacation in PEI.
November 7, 2022
A nice abridged version. Must be difficult to decide what parts from the original copy to onit and keep, so was left desiring a little more, but provides a great picture of Anne's bouncy character and her life at Green Gables.
Read
January 16, 2023Read this years ago and loved it.
Finally got to reading the original and loved it just as much.
Here is my review of the original and unabridged version
Finally got to reading the original and loved it just as much.
Here is my review of the original and unabridged version
August 13, 2023
Every year since I was 8 me, my grandmother, grandfather, and brother always went to PEI in the summer. I can read this book over and over. If this was the only book left in the world I could never stop reading it.
December 7, 2017
It jumped around in time, meaning it went from her being a kid, to a teenager really fast, but it was pretty good overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews