
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complexities of a new school or feels like their true, vibrant self is a bit too much for a quiet town. It is a perfect choice for the creative child who is beginning to explore their queer identity and needs to see that being different is a superpower, not a social death sentence. Mariko Tamaki reimagines the classic Anne of Green Gables through a modern, inclusive lens that celebrates disco, fashion, and the courage to be seen. Following Anne Shirley, a biracial and queer teen, as she moves to the suburban town of Greenville, the story tackles the universal struggle of finding belonging without shrinking one's personality. While it deals with contemporary high school social dynamics and identity, it maintains a joyful and hopeful spirit. It is an affirming read for middle and high schoolers that normalizes diverse experiences while providing a roadmap for building loyal friendships and self-confidence.
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Sign in to write a reviewOccasional mild profanity typical of contemporary teen novels.
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A 13 or 14-year-old who feels like their personality is 'too much' for their current environment. This book is for the creative, theater-loving teen who is looking for a roadmap on how to be unapologetically queer and biracial while maintaining a sense of humor and style.
This book can be read cold. It is a joyful, contemporary story that focuses on identity as a source of strength. Parents may want to brush up on Anne of Green Gables references to better appreciate Tamaki's clever subversions, but it is not necessary for understanding the plot. A child comes home feeling like they have to hide their interests or change their clothes just to avoid being teased at a new school. A parent might hear their child say, 'Nobody here gets me,' or notice them withdrawing from their favorite hobbies to fit in.
Younger readers (ages 12-13) will focus on the 'new kid' dynamics and the exciting shift from middle to high school. Older readers (ages 16-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuanced exploration of biracial identity and the reclamation of classic literature through a queer lens.
Unlike many stories involving marginalized identities that focus on trauma or struggle, this book is a neon-soaked celebration. It takes the bones of a beloved classic and proves that the 'Anne' spirit (the imagination, the talkativeness, the drama) is perfectly suited for a modern queer, biracial protagonist.
Anne Shirley is a disco-loving, biracial, queer teenager who moves to the conservative suburb of Greenville with her mother and her mother's partner, Hestia. As a modern reimagining of the classic Anne of Green Gables, the story follows Anne as she navigates the social hierarchies of high school, forms a deep bond with her 'bosom friend' Diana, and enters a rivalry turned romance with Gilbert Blythe. The narrative focuses on Anne's refusal to dim her vibrant personality to fit in, using her passion for musical theater and fashion to carve out a space for herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.