Graphic Novel Review - 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' by Kathleen Gros

'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' is such a sweet, moving and heartwarming modern retelling of 'Anne of Green Gables' in graphic novel form, and sometimes that's enough. That it's also queer is a bonus.

Of the Kathleen Gros queer children's graphic novels I've read recently, this and 'Carousel Summer' (read review here) are my favourites. I'm sorry to say that 'Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)' is a dud; one of the most boring comics I have ever read, containing literally no conflict. But 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' stands out as being extra sweet, wholesome, colourful, and creative, containing updated modern messages and dialogue.

Anne Shirley herself is a sweetheart and relatable child, too. She's totally herself, and an artist and redhead - my kind of girl.

There is no overarching plot. Stuff just happens. It is pure, polished slice-of-life - the life of a twelve-year-old foster child. An adorable, realistic, coming-of-age dramedy, with themes of friendship, found family, chance meetings in life, tolerance, never judging and making assumptions, bullying, forgiveness, temperament and anger management, and teaching against rashness and impulsiveness. Easy lessons for kids to learn.

Plus, in my opinion, it is the best out of all the 'Anne of Green Gables' queer graphic novel adaptations that have come out of the woodwork lately, such as Rey Terciero's 'Dan in Green Gables' (hmm... ehhh) and Ivy Noelle Weir's 'Anne of West Philly' (oh good grief no). Sometimes the simplest route is the best one. Gros's colourful and cartoony artwork reflects this.

I absolutely love that 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' contains no homophobia whatsoever. Girls liking girls, no matter how young they are (twelve), is treated as normal, because it is.

Queerness needs to be normalised in children's media. No more censoring, hiding or lying. No more intolerance. No more cowardice. No more bigotry.

Maybe another reason I'm soft on 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' is because I haven't read the original classic novel since I was a kid myself, and cannot judge it as an adaptation, since I barely remember the source material.

I should reread 'Anne of Green Gables' soon.

In the meantime, I hold Kathleen Gros's 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)' close and dear to my heart.

It should be made into a children's TV series. Animated or live-action, it doesn't matter.

Final Score: 3.5/5