This book tells the story of Anne Shirley's three years in Summerside. It is the fourth book in the Anne of Green Gables series. Anne moves to Summerside after earning the job of Summerside's High School principal. Anne moves in with two widows, Aunt Kate and Aunt Chatty, and a woman named Rebecca Dew. In this book we follow all the adventures in Anne's new chapter in life. Anne meets and becomes acquainted with many people, including Little Elizabeth Grayson, The Pringles, Hazel Marr, Pauline Gibson and her stubborn mother, Katherine Brooke, Minerva Tomgallon, Esme Taylor, Nora Nelson, Lewis Allen, James and Teddy Armstrong, and a lot more people. Her first main adventure is how she wins the Pringles' affection, a huge family living in Summerside (also known as the 'Royal Family'). One of the many adventures of Anne is when she goes on a search with her friend, Lewis, to find a house they can take a picture of for a Country Homes attractive farmhouse competition. During this search Anne and Lewis find a long lost relative. Another adventure Anne goes on is trying to learn more about the dreary, bleak, pessimistic assistant principal of the High School, Katherine Brooke, who seems to be the only person who has not falling for Anne's charm, and is instead shutting her out. Anne also helps people with their romantic situations. She helps Hazel Marr, Nora Nelson, and Esme Taylor to realize their true loves. Even with all these adventures going on, Anne still finds in herself in extremely busy with her new home. From unreliable thermometers, to Rebecca Dew's love hate relationship with That Cat, also known as Dusty Miller, to keeping the widows vain secrets from others, Anne seems to never have a dull moment of life in Summerside. And neither will you as you read this entertaining book.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book is my least favorite in all of the Anne of Green Gables series so far, but it was still a good read. I like this book a lot, because I feel I can relate to Anne Shirley in all her many adventures and misunderstandings. Another reason why I like this book is because I can feel as if I were in the book, and right beside Anne the whole time. This book made me feel happy, sad, confused, excited, worried, embarrassed, and upset. This shows how the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, can make you feel attracted to the book. The reason why I would not give this book the additional star, is because at times I feel Anne of Windy Poplars can get repetitive and less interesting. For example, Anne seems to always have the same interactions from people, and all her relationships seem to end up the same. Other than those cons, I thought this book was a spectacular one. If you are looking for a fairly easy and quick read, I would recommend this book to you. I think this book series is good for anyone, especially girls who are looking for a good book to read.
Reviewed by Claire H., Grade 7
