Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this lighthearted Anne of Green Gables graphic novel adaptation by Gros--the creator of Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)--seventh grader Anne Shirley, portrayed as white with freckles and braided red pigtails, is excited to meet Matthew and his sister Marilla, her new foster parents. But when she arrives at the siblings' Avon-Lea apartment complex, Marilla expresses disappointment at the match, claiming that the duo "made it clear that we wanted a younger child." With nowhere else to send her, the reluctant blended family settles into their new normal. Fearing rejection from Matthew and Marilla, Anne conceals her insecurities and mercurial temper behind an infectious smile while the foster agency works to place her in a new home. She soon grows closer to the siblings, develops friendships with an intersectionally diverse group of classmates, and pursues a sweet romance with her new best friend Diana. Coupled with easy-to-follow paneling, expressive characters rendered in vibrant hues aptly covey middle school dramas--including a game of truth or dare gone wrong and a kiss between Anne and Diana--that tug on the heartstrings and provide levity in this cozy jaunt. Ages 8--12. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6--8--The "Sort Of" in the subtitle is an important clarification for readers expecting a graphic novel of Anne's adventures in Avonlea, who might be startled at the modern take on the beloved novel. In Gros's version, Anne Shirley is a foster kid living with the Cuthbert siblings, who are surprised at the teenaged girl who arrives at their door. The Cuthberts live in an apartment building named Avon-Lea, where Anne Shirley fans will find many recognizable characters. Similar to Montgomery's telling, Anne is headstrong and difficult to get along with, and she has her characteristically recognizable run-ins with the neighbors and classmates. Diana is introduced to Anne as a possible friend, and the girls do form a quick bond, spending lots of time together. Readers will begin to see the graphic novel and original novel diverge when Anne and Diana attend the neighborhood middle school and interact with other seventh graders who have modern-day issues. This is especially showcased when Anne and Diana develop crushes on each other and attend a dance together. As a stand-alone story rather than an adaptation, this graphic novel succeeds on its own, with plenty of realistic plot points for middle grade readers to find compelling and fun. VERDICT A fun story for middle grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age graphic novels and modern adaptations of classics.--Kim Gardner
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Anne Shirley's life changes forever when she is taken in by brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, residents of the bustling Avon-Lea apartment complex. While the staid Cuthberts expected a younger foster child, they slowly warm to 12-year-old Anne. She settles in and quickly discovers friends, passions, and a crush. Anne experiences true belonging for the first time and comes into her own even as her impulsive and imaginative nature gets her into trouble. Including the titular heroine's most infamous hijinks--feuding with classmate Gilbert Blythe, dyeing her hair green, and longing for a dress with puffed sleeves, among others--Gros takes a greatest-hits approach, which results in the story's lacking much of the complexity that makes these adventures work in Montgomery's classic. Anne, as presented here, lacks some of the spark and quirk that made her character so appealing, although certain updates work successfully, such as her traumatizing experiences in the foster care system and a low-key exploration of her feelings of same-sex attraction. The art is simple and boldly colored, with expressions and actions that at times add humor and emotion and at others look stiff. The medium of comics is utilized within the story itself: Anne is a zine-maker, and instructions for how to make zines are integrated into the text. The main characters read White; the supporting cast is racially diverse. A sweet but too pat adaptation. (Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
