Dan in Green Gables: A Modern Reimagining of Anne of Green Gables

Gr 8 Up–This retelling of Anne of Green Gables set in 1995 follows Dan, a gay teen whose mother has a problem with alcohol and can’t seem to settle down. Dan’s mother leaves him in Tennessee with his paternal grandparents where he struggles to fit in with southern culture and is targeted for his blithe personality and refusal to be anyone but himself. This is a bright tale with hard themes that explores found family, friendship, community, and the strength in being oneself. The back matter includes a letter from Terciero about their connection to Anne and how their own experiences of being queer and biracial in Tennessee inspired this title. Aguirre’s work shines as Dan’s personality comes through the art, giving him the lively nature of the original Anne. The graphic format is used to further express intense feelings experienced by the characters. The art style is detailed, especially in capturing the 1990s Tennessee setting, while still maintaining an appealing bright, bold look. The book contains a content warning for bullying, physical assault, and homophobia. Dan is pale with red hair, his mother has brown skin, and the grandparents are white.