The story of a girl in foster care who won everyone’s heart. Recommended age: 10+
Although it recently marked its centenary, Lucy Montgomery’s 1908 book–and its seven sequels–remains a beloved children’s classic. It’s also an important book for foster children everywhere, because it shows how a foster child can succeed despite adversity, and that, even though getting to know a new foster family can be hard, love can persevere in the end.
Anne Shirley is a spirited, imaginative, and talkative girl who is fostered by mistake, by a middle-aged brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They had asked the orphanage to send a boy to help them on their farm in a remote part of Canada. By the time Anne arrived, it was too late. At first they consider sending her back, but she wins them over with her lively nature and kind heart.
The book provides plenty of conversation starters for foster families. For example, Anne’s love of fun often lands her in trouble. Gradually she learns to trust her foster parents and learns how to open up to them about the things that worry her. She also learns to stand up for herself at school, and to be proud of her family background.
In the later books in the series, Anne decides to follow a career (in itself, this was a radical prospect when the book was written). She wins a scholarship to study at a prestigious university. Eventually she returns to become a teacher at the school she attended as a child.
The books include many important lessons. They teach the value of non-traditional families; of openness and honesty; and of second chances. They also show that love can overcome all obstacles.
Crucially, the books are also exciting and funny. Readers will enjoy scenes where Anne gets her own back on the school bully, or stands up for herself against a nosy neighbor.
There are numerous film and TV adaptations of this much-loved tale. Two to look out for include the 2016 movie, and the recent Netflix series, Anne with an E.
Have your foster kids read Anne of Green Gables? Or do you have fond memories of reading it yourself as a child? Let us know in the comments!
