Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) was adapted by Kathleen Gros. They are the same creator of Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of). Which, I preferred to the Anne story for several reasons. The biggest being it was the first book I had read by Gros and therefore, the format was fresh to me. With Anne, I kept thinking, “I have read this. Wait, it reminds me of that Jo book….”
Since I have also never read the original Anne (just adaptations, watched a movie or two and/or talked about it, or read about it) this was biased by that background. But the story of Anne of Green Gables set “today” with modern stories and feelings is perfect for today’s reader. Take your pick if you want to read Little Women or Anne of Green Gables, or read everything by Gros, as it is all good.
We have “girl power” by calling Gilbert out for his “teasing” and Anne’s friendship might be more than “just” friendship with her best friend. The girls and their friends are middle schoolers trying to grow up and sometimes too fast. I am not so sure having Anne’s foster family still being the brother and sister combo still “works” for today’s society, or even the stigma of red hair and freckles, but that and all that you loved about the classic is here. Still, there might be a few modernizations (I am assuming Anne did not cut her hair in the original tale).
I am curious how the Green Hair Situation (when Anne tries to dye her hair not red) looks as by that time my reader copy had gone black and white. Therefore, the artwork seems to be calm, but also bold, fitting the tone and needs of the story from what I was given in my copy. The cover gives you the style and detailedness of things.