Anne of Avonlea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Anne of Avonlea

First edition
Author	Lucy Maud Montgomery
Country	Canada
Language	English
Series	Anne of Green Gables
Genre	Canadian literature, children's literature
Publisher	L. C. Page & Co.
Publication date	1909
Preceded by	Anne of Green Gables
Followed by	Anne of the Island
Text	Anne of Avonlea at Wikisource

Anne of Avonlea is a popular novel written by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. It was first published in 1909.

About the Story

This book is the second part of the exciting adventures of Anne Shirley. It continues right after Anne of Green Gables (1908). In this story, Anne is between 16 and 18 years old.

The book follows Anne as she starts her first job. She becomes a schoolteacher in the small town of Avonlea. You will meet many familiar characters from the first book. There are also new friends and interesting people. These new characters include Mr. Harrison, Miss Lavendar Lewis, Paul Irving, and the lively twins, Dora and Davy.

Why "Avonlea"?

In this book, Anne is no longer just "of Green Gables." She has grown up and is now an important person in Avonlea. She is the town's only schoolteacher. This makes her a respected member of the community.

Anne also helps start the A.V.I.S. This stands for the Avonlea Village Improvement Society. They try to make Avonlea a better place. Sometimes their plans work well, and sometimes they don't!

What Happens in the Book?

Anne is excited to begin teaching at the Avonlea school. She also keeps studying at home with her good friend, Gilbert. Gilbert is teaching at a different school nearby.

Soon, Anne meets her new neighbor, Mr. Harrison. He is a bit grumpy and has a parrot named Ginger. Ginger often says funny, rude things.

Marilla, who lives with Anne, takes in two children. They are twins named Davy and Dora. Their mother has passed away. Dora is a very good and quiet girl. Davy is the complete opposite! He is full of mischief and always getting into trouble. The twins were supposed to stay for a short time. But their uncle never returns, so they stay with Anne and Marilla.

New Friends and Adventures

Anne meets some of her new students. One special student is Paul Irving. He is an American boy living with his grandmother. Paul has a wonderful imagination, just like Anne did when she was younger. Anne really enjoys talking to him.

Later, Anne and her friends meet Miss Lavendar Lewis. She is a kind but lonely lady in her 40s. She was once engaged to Paul's father many years ago. They broke up after an argument. At the end of the book, Paul's father returns. He and Miss Lavendar get married, which is a happy ending for them.

Anne learns a lot about being a teacher. She also helps Marilla raise Davy and Dora. She works hard with Gilbert and Diana in the A.V.I.S. They try to improve Avonlea. For example, they decide to repaint the old town hall. But the painter uses the wrong color! The hall turns a bright blue, which looks quite strange.

Towards the end of the book, Mrs. Rachel Lynde's husband passes away. Mrs. Lynde moves in with Marilla at Green Gables. This means Anne can finally go to college! She and Gilbert plan to attend Redmond College in the fall.

Anne is growing up, but she still finds herself in funny situations. She accidentally sells Mr. Harrison's cow, thinking it's her own. She also gets red dye on her nose before meeting a famous author. And she even gets stuck on a duck house roof while trying to peek into a pantry!

Main Characters

Anne Shirley - Anne used to be a wild and awkward orphan. Now, she is a grown-up teacher at the Avonlea school. She is slim with bright grey eyes. Her hair is a reddish-brown color. Anne is still very imaginative and charming.

Marilla Cuthbert - Marilla took Anne in five years ago. She used to seem very strict. But now, Marilla shows her feelings more. She has also developed a good sense of humor.

Gilbert Blythe - Gilbert was Anne's childhood rival. Now, he is her very good friend. He is also a teacher at the White Sands School. Gilbert is secretly in love with Anne, but he hasn't told her yet.

Diana Barry - Diana has been Anne's best friend since they were children. She has beautiful black hair and a rosy face. Diana is not as imaginative as Anne, but she is a very loyal friend.

Rachel Lynde - Rachel is Marilla's best friend and neighbor. She is outspoken and has strong opinions. But she means well and is very fond of Anne.

Davy Keith - Davy is one of the twins Marilla takes in. He is very mischievous and naughty. He loves sweets and rarely listens. Davy has blonde curly hair, a dimple, and a constant smile.

Dora Keith - Dora is Davy's sister and his complete opposite. She is very well-behaved and always does what she is told. She has long, fair, smooth curls and a quiet look.

Jane Andrews - Jane is another one of Anne's childhood friends. She is also a teacher at the Newbridge School.

Fred Wright - Fred is a friend of Gilbert's. He plans to be a farmer like his father. Fred and Diana get engaged. Anne thinks he is not as exciting as a "dream husband," but Diana loves him.

Mr. J.A. Harrison - Mr. Harrison is Anne and Marilla's new neighbor. He is a bit bad-tempered at first. But Anne becomes good friends with him. He is very practical and speaks his mind. His parrot, Ginger, often causes trouble with its rude comments.

Paul Irving - Paul is one of Anne's students. He is a young boy with a great imagination. He quickly becomes a good friend to Anne. Paul grew up in the United States and now lives with his grandmother.

Anthony Pye - Anthony is another one of Anne's students. He is very difficult at first and tests Anne's patience. Anne eventually has to discipline him. After that, he respects her, and his behavior gets much better.

Miss Lavendar Lewis - Miss Lavendar is an imaginative and pretty older lady with white hair. Anne and Diana meet her on their way to a friend's house. She lives in a place called Echo Lodge and becomes a good friend to Anne.

Charlotta the Fourth - Charlotta is Miss Lavendar's maid. Her real name is Leonora. She is the youngest of four sisters who have all worked for Miss Lavendar. Miss Lavendar called all of them "Charlotta." Charlotta is kind but a bit clumsy.

Stephen Irving - Stephen is Paul's father. He was Miss Lavendar's sweetheart when they were young. They had an argument, and he left for the United States. He married Paul's mother there. Anne helps them get back together after his first wife passes away.

Priscilla Grant - Priscilla is an old classmate of Anne's from Queens Academy.

Anne Shirley Book Series

Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote many more books about Anne Shirley. Here they are in order of Anne's age in each story:

Movies, TV Shows, and Plays

Anne of Avonlea has been made into movies and TV shows.

• A 1975 TV miniseries called Anne of Avonlea was based on this book. It also included parts of the next book, Anne of the Island.
• The 1987 CBC Television miniseries Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel was also based on this book. In the United States, it was called Anne of Avonlea.
• This book and Anne of the Island were used to create the musical Anne & Gilbert.

See also

In Spanish: Ana, la de Avonlea para niños