Anne of the Island

Reach for this book when your teenager is facing a major life transition, such as leaving for college or moving away from home for the first time. It speaks beautifully to the bittersweet nature of growing up, where the excitement of independence is often mixed with a deep longing for the comforts of childhood. Following Anne Shirley as she heads to Redmond College, the story explores academic ambition, the evolution of childhood friendships into adult relationships, and the reality of grief. While written over a century ago, the emotional core remains incredibly relevant for modern teens navigating their own paths toward adulthood. It normalizes the feeling of being 'in between' stages of life and provides a comforting, sophisticated look at finding one's place in the world. It is a gentle, wholesome, and intellectually stimulating read for ages 12 and up, perfect for those who appreciate historical settings and strong character development.