Ultimate Guide: Anne of Green Gables Books in Order

What is the order of books in the Anne of Green Gables series?

Below are summaries of all eight Anne of Green Gables books in order of the storyline (not the publication order). Spoiler Alert: Since the storyline chronicles Anne Shirley’s life from child to adult, there are spoilers about what happens throughout her lifetime.

1. Anne of Green Gables (1908)

This is the first book in the charming series that introduces readers to an 11-year-old red-headed orphaned spitfire named Anne Shirley.  Anne Shirley has arrived in Avonlea in Prince Edward Island, Canada only to discover that the Cuthberts — elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla — want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne — who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home — wins them over completely.

Anne’s journey becomes one of growth when a beloved teacher recognizes her intelligence and helps her focus on her studies and eventually earn a college scholarship. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and Anne chooses to place family and community before herself. In true character, Anne remains optimistic throughout, imparting the wisdom of her life lessons along the way as she comes of age.

Anne of Green Gables is a much-loved classic that explores all the vulnerability, expectations, and dreams of a child growing up. It is also a wonderful portrait of a time, a place, a family … and, most of all, love. 

2. Anne of Avonlea (1909) 

In Anne of Avonlea, Anne is now “half-past sixteen” years old and about to embark on a new adventure. Over the next two years, she becomes the teacher in her old Avonlea school.  Now, she plays a greater role in the community of Avonlea which is filled with characters big and small whose lives intertwine with Anne’s.

In this book, it’s an exciting year as Anne struggles to win over all her students, learns the timeless lessons of being a working adult and feels the first stirrings of love.

3. Anne of the Island (1915)

In the 3rd book Anne of the Island, new adventures lie ahead as Anne Shirley packs her bags, waves goodbye to childhood, and heads for college.

With her old friend Prissy Grant waiting in the bustling city of Kingsport and her frivolous new friend Philippa Gordon at her side, Anne tucks her memories of rural Avonlea away and discovers life on her own terms, filled with surprises. Momentous events include a marriage proposal from the worst man imaginable, the sale of her first story, and a painful tragedy that teaches Anne a lesson.

But tears turn to laughter when Anne and her friends move into an old cottage and an ornery black cat captures her heart. Little does Anne know that handsome Gilbert Blythe wants to win her heart, too. Suddenly Anne must decide whether she's ready for love.

4. Anne of Windy Poplars (1946)

Anne of Windy Poplars (also known as Anne of Windy Willows) is Anne of Green Gables book 4. It picks up after Anne has left Redmond College to begin a new job and a new chapter of her life away from Green Gables. Now she faces a new challenge: the renowned Pringles.

This family in Summerside becomes her greatest challenge when she serves as the principal of Summerside High. Luckily, Anne finds allies in the widows’ Aunt Kate and Aunt Chatty, and their housekeeper Rebecca Dew. When trying to win over the Pringles, Anne learns all of Summerside’s strangest secrets and eventually the support of the prickly Pringles.

5. Anne’s House of Dreams (1917)

Anne’s House of Dreams is the pivotal story in which Anne marries Gilbert Blythe, now a doctor, in the old orchard of Green Gables among their dearest friends. Together, they move to their dream house to start their new life on the shores of Four Winds.

Anne and Gilbert make new friends and meet their neighbors like the lighthouse attendant Captain Jim; the honest Ms. Cordelia Bryant, and the tragic, but beautiful, Leslie Moore. Their newlywed years are filled with ups, downs, and the spirit of imagination for which Anne is known.

6. Anne of Ingleside (1938)

In Green Gable’s book 6, Anne of Ingleside, Anne is now the mother of five children, and another on the way. There is never a dull moment in her lively home but there’s still no place she would rather be.

Aunt Mary Maria visits, but soon wears out her welcome, and Anne begins to wonder if Gilbert still loves her. So she sets out to make her cherished husband fall in love with her all over again!  

 She may be a little older, but she's still the same irrepressible, irreplaceable redhead — the wonderful Anne of Green Gables, all grown up.

7. Rainbow Valley (1919) 

In Rainbow Valley, Anne Shirley is married to her beloved Gilbert and is now the mother of six mischievous children. These children discover a special place all their own but never dream of what will happen when a strange family moves into an old mansion nearby.

The Meredith family has two boys and two girls, as well as a runaway named Mary Vance. Soon, the Merediths conspire with Anne’s children in their private hideout where they plan to save Mary from the orphanage, bring happiness to the lonely minister, and keep a pet rooster from ending up in the soup pot. Just like when Anne herself was a child, this book is full of adventure.