Before she arrived at Green Gables, Anne Shirley had a difficult early life. Orphaned as a baby, she is sent from one foster home to the next and escapes from her dark reality through the power of her vivid imagination. Curious, inventive, and outspoken, even at a young age, Anne battles to make a life for herself by searching out kindred spirits, finding solace in her books, and dreaming of the day she has a family of her own. Award-winning author Budge Wilson brings young Anne vibrantly to life in this fully authorized prequel to the much-loved Anne of Green Gables.

"Wilson’s book shows us that today, more than we ever thought, Anne deserves to be called a survivor, if not the quintessential Canadian."—Ottawa Citizen

"An unforgettable voyage."—The Halifax Chronicle Herald

"One hundred years after the first readers fell in love with Anne, the full story of her early life is revealed…"
"A treat for fans of Anne, and a wonderful new look at one of Canada’s most cherished literary heroines."—Edmonton Journal

"I have long admired Budge Wilson for her fine writing as well as for her kindness to other writers, her work ethic, her sense of humour, and her charming disposition. I now add to that list true admiration for her courage. Agreeing to write a prequel to Anne, people said to her, was like agreeing to write a prequel to the Bible...Budge approached the project with intelligence, grace and integrity."
—Kathleen Martin, Canadian Children's Book News

"I knew I would love it! I have such respect for Budge Wilson and her impeccable writing; she never fails to deliver a book filled with remarkable characters, spot-on text and a compelling story. For anyone who has loved Anne through the past 100 years, you will be delighted to read Budge Wilson's newest novel."
—Sally Bender, Brandon Sun

"Penguin was wise entrusting this prequel to Budge Wilson. A 'kindred spirit,' Wilson brings her customary warmth, insight into friendship and her own love of words to the story."
—Brenda Halliday, Canadian Children's Book News