When I decided to curate a list of books similar to Anne of Green Gables, I knew I wanted to go beyond the "plucky orphan" and "turn-of-the-century rural" tropes.
I've include both old-fashioned fun titles on this list as well as more contemporary stories with strong heroines finding their place in the world. I am certain all the books will be loved by kids who like Anne of Green Gables and other books by L.M. Montgomery. I also manage to include books that take place all around the world!
These books like Anne of Green Gables all make fantastic read aloud books, too. And take note of my first recommendation, it has become one of my all time favorite books to put in the hands of parents.
Oh! And lest I forget, this list may be dominated by heroines, but boys will love them, too. Want more books like your favorite? Visit our read alike book list hub!
Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.
When Mischief Came to Town by Katrina Nannestad
In early 20th century Denmark, an orphan girl meets her grandmother for the first time when she goes to live with her after the death of her mother. Inge Maria is a free spirit and even though trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes (hilarious trouble, to be sure) the townspeople and her grandmother can’t help but fall utterly in love with her. I thought Nannestad masterfully handled Inge Maria’s grief over her mother’s death, her joyous attitude towards new experiences, and her headstrong imagination.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (series) by Jacqueline Kelly
In 1899, Calpurnia loathes the expectations set for 12-year old-girls; she'd much rather read Darwin's The Origin of Species, and catch and study wildlife with her naturalist Granddaddy. I loved this tale of a girl coming of age at a time when natural science and engineering discoveries were changing the world.
MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists
The Runaway Princess (series) by Kate Coombs
Find it: Amazon
Why-oh-why is this book out of print? Find it at your library! Princess Margaret does not want to be married off. Her parents have set up a contest in which they will bestow her hand to the hero who defeats a dragon, a witch, and a band of bandits. "Meg" will have nothing to do with this so she escapes her tower and sets off to warn the impending victims, who are actually harmless characters. This is a fun, humorous and quick read. Be sure to pick up the sequel, The Runaway Dragon.
Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell
Ever since her mother's death when Wilhelmina Silver was five, Wilhelmina has run free on her father's farm in Zimbabwe. When her father dies, she is put under the guardianship of the kindly Captain Browne, but his new wife has no patience for Wilhelmina and her wild ways, so Wilhelmina is sent off to a boarding school in England where she is a fish out of water. She runs away from the school and attempts to live on her own. Will is a tough and resilient girl but even she needs friends. Her resourcefulness and moral courage eventually lead her back to the school where she learns how to bridge the gap between her wild side and the formality of England. I loved this story for its wonderful sense of place—Zimbabwe and in Britain—and for the complex inner life of Will.
MORE: Books for Readers Who Love Little Women
All-of-a-Kind Family (series) by Sydney Taylor
All-of-a-Kind Family is the first title in a classic series about a Jewish family with five girls growing up on the Lower East Side of New York City in the early 20th century. The old-school adventures of the family are heart-warming and entertaining.
The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd
Emma and her brother and grandmother live at the family bakery, the Boneyard Cafe, and Emma gives tours of the local graveyard in her Tennessee town. Emma is part of a long line of women who have a "destiny dream," all of which are recorded in a special book. Emma is eagerly awaiting her own dream and hopes it will help her resist the greedy developer who wants to take over her family's livelihood. Lloyd is a talented author who brings a contemporary folktale-like flavor to her writing.
MORE: 21st Century Books with Old Fashioned Flair
Our Only May Amelia (series) by Jennifer L. Holm
May Amelia and her family are Finnish-American settlers in 1899 Washington. May Amelia has seven older brothers and as the only girl in the area she is may be outnumbered but she holds her own and has little patience for expectations that she should act in a ladylike manner. May Amelia's mama is about to have a baby and her fingers are crossed for another girl. The cast of characters, from May Amelia's sophisticated town aunt to her crotchety grandmother are intensely engaging and pioneer life is exposed in all its nitty-gritty glory.
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
This is the funny and poignant story of Deza Malone and her family during the Great Depression. Deza is a likable, smart protagonist who observes the ironies, joys and hardships around her. Her scamp of a brother, Jimmie has a gorgeous singing voice and could become a star if he could just stay out of trouble. Her father barely survives a boating accident and when he moves away to find employment, the rest of the family must go in search of him. Curtis paints a vivid portrait of the 1930s filled with interesting characters.
MORE: Books Like Little House on the Prairie
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (series) by Grace Lin
Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family's destiny. Along the way she is accompanied by the Jade Dragon and her journey is filled with twists and turns of fate. Lin deftly weaves together Minli's quest, her father's stories, and wonderful illustrations to create a memorable tale.
Mischievous Meg by Astrid Lindgren
Find it: Amazon
Fans of Anne Shirley will immediately recognize a kindred spirit in Meg, who occupies the middle ground between Anne and the author's most famous character, Pippi Longstocking. Meg is big-hearted but is always getting into mischief when a new idea strikes her fancy. When Meg parachutes off the roof, I couldn't help but be reminded of Anne walking the ridgepole! Your kids will fall in love with the exuberant Meg and her little sister.
The Great Cake Mystery Precious Ramotswe's Very First Case by Alexander McCall Smith.
Precious is the heroine of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency book series for grown-ups and in this book she solves her very first case in Botswana as a juvenile. When her friends’ lunchtime treats go missing, Precious is on the job. When she uncovers the unexpected thief a nice chuckle is had by all. This charming, book full of old-fashioned detective fun is nice way of exposing young readers to other cultures and includes a reading guide, glossary, activity ideas and even a recipe!
The Grand Plan to Fix Everything (series) by Uma Krishnaswami
Dini loves Bollywood movies but when her mother announces they are going to live in India, she is disappointed they will be living in a small village instead of Bombay. Dini is sure that now she will never meet her idol and Bollywood star, Dolly Singh. In an extraordinarily fun, convoluted and charming series of events Dini gets her wish.
Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
Like Anne Shirley, Mandy is an orphan looking for a place to call home. Outside the walls of the orphanage she finds an empty cottage which she lovingly turns into her own. Part Anne of Green Gables, part The Secret Garden, fans of both classic books will enjoy finding a kindred spirit between the pages of Mandy.
MORE: Books for fans of The Secret Garden
The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda Woods
Violet's father was killed in a car crash before she was born and she sometimes feels like an outsider with her blond-haired mom and sister, despite their close, loving relationship. Violet decides she wants to meet her African-American grandmother, a well-known artist. She goes for a visit to Los Angeles to stay with her "new" relative and meets cousins and aunts who thoroughly welcome her into the family.
MORE: Middle Grade Books with Strong and Loving Families
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
In 12th century Korea, Tree-Ear, an orphan, lives under the bridge with the disabled Crane-man. The two survive from day to day but Tree-Ear is fascinated by the local,revered potter, Min. Circumstances collide and Tree-Ear becomes Min's apprentice. Tree-Ear must learn patience, an appreciation for hard work, as well as suffer through Min's bad temper. When Min sets about creating pottery to impress an emissary, Tree-Ear is determined to help him succeed and undergoes an important, life-changing journey. An utterly fantastic book
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats
After her father is killed in the Civil War, Jane, her stepmother and her brother set off to Washington Territory. They are part of a group led by a man who insists that it is a good place for widows and children. Jane worries that she doesn't have the strength to live in her new home. When her stepmother remarries, the new husband gives Jane the freedom to learn the skills she needs for the rough frontier and she gain a new confidence in herself and a contentment she didn't expect.
MORE: Books for Kids Who Like Survival Stories like Hatchet
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Eleanor Roosevelt named author Dorothy Canfield Fisher as one of America's ten most influential women. Educators will recognize her as the woman who introduced the Montessori method to American classrooms. That philosophy is recognizable in Understood Betsy. Until she goes to live on a rural homestead with her cousins, nine-year-old Elizabeth has "never found out a single thing for herself alone." In the country, she takes joy and pride in learning and becomes a very capable and happy Betsy.
MORE: Classic Books for Tweens
Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
A lovely classic book from the 1930s about a strong, independent girl. Nine year old Garnet's family farm has been suffering from lack of rain but when she finds a silver thimble and the rains come, Garnet's wonderful summer begins. Enright's writing is superb and the descriptions of Garnet's everyday farm life are enchanting.
Don't forget about L.M. Montgomery's other books:
Melody says
Such a great list! I might also add Anna Hibiscus. She reminds me a lot of Anne Shirley 🙂
Erica says
Yes! What a great heroine!
Leanne says
Also love the Incorrigible Children Of Ashton Place. The Incorrigibles are orphans, but so is their plucky governess, Penelope Lumley. There are currently 5 books in this series, with a 6th (and final) book to be published in 2017. Two series I also love which have strong central characters are the Enola Holmes mysteries (younger sister to Sherlock, also orphaned... well, sort of) by Nancy Springer; and the Theodosia Throckmorton books by R.L. LaFevers.
Erica says
That's a great series and I also love Enola Holmes!
mary says
Do you also know movies like Anne of green gables?
Erica says
You might enjoy the movie versions of Jane of Lantern Hill and Emily of New Moon. Or perhaps, The Secret Garden.
elle says
wow i luv luv luv u!!!
Sharon says
Majorly missing is Betsy series by Maud Hart Lovelace.
Sarah says
Being a book lover its a nice list for me. And happy to see The Great Cake Mystery here.