As a child I read and loved all of The Anne of Green Gables books. The Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery is a beloved literary journey that spans generations in Anne's life. There are eight main novels and additional related works. The series follows the unforgettable Anne Shirley from imaginative orphan to mother and matriarch.
📚 The Eight Main Books (In Recommended Reading Order)
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Anne of Green Gables (1908)
Meet Anne Shirley, the spirited red-haired orphan mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in Avonlea.
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Anne of Avonlea (1909)
Anne becomes a schoolteacher and takes on new responsibilities, including helping raise Marilla’s young relatives.
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Anne of the Island (1915)
Follow Anne to Redmond College, where she navigates new friendships, heartbreaks, and her journey into adulthood.
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Anne of Windy Poplars (1936)
Set during Anne’s years as a high school principal, this installment explores new communities and challenges.
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Anne’s House of Dreams (1917)
Anne begins married life with Gilbert Blythe and settles into her new home in Four Winds Harbor.
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Anne of Ingleside (1939)
Life with six children brings joys and challenges as Anne and Gilbert build their family together.
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Rainbow Valley (1919)
The story shifts to Anne’s children and their misadventures with the minister’s family in Glen St. Mary.
- Rilla of Ingleside (1921)
Focuses on Anne’s youngest daughter, Rilla, as she comes of age during World War I — a moving finale to the series.
📖 Related Books & Prequels
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Chronicles of Avonlea (1912)
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Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920)
Two collections of short stories set in Avonlea, featuring Anne and other memorable characters.
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The Blythes Are Quoted (2009)
A posthumous and more mature continuation exploring Anne’s later years and her children’s stories. -
Before Green Gables (2008)
An authorized prequel by Budge Wilson, imagining Anne’s early life before she arrives at Green Gables.
🧭 My Thoughts on Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
- The books weren’t all written in the order of Anne’s life, some, like Windy Poplars and Ingleside, were published later.
- Both publication and chronological reading orders are rewarding; pick whichever suits your reading style.
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The series spans Anne’s life from age 11 through her early 50s.
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to Anne Shirley’s world or revisiting it as a longtime fan, the full Anne of Green Gables series offers a rich, heartwarming experience. With its blend of humor, heartache, romance, and resilience, it's no wonder the series continues to captivate readers of all ages around the world.
📝 FAQs
1. How many books are in the Anne of Green Gables series?
There are 8 main novels, along with short story collections and one authorized prequel.
2. Should I read the books in publication or chronological order?
Either works! Reading in chronological order helps you follow Anne’s life journey, while publication order reflects the author’s evolving vision.
3. Are the short story collections necessary to understand the main series?
They’re not essential, but they add depth to the world of Avonlea and include cameos from Anne and other beloved characters.
4. What age is the Anne of Green Gables series best suited for?
The series is ideal for readers 10 and up, but adults often find even more meaning in Anne’s later life books.
5. Is Before Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery?
No, it’s a prequel written by Budge Wilson and authorized by Montgomery’s estate.