If you’ve ever fallen in love with Anne Shirley’s wild imagination, endless curiosity, and big heart, you know how magical it feels to step into her world. The good news? There are plenty of other books similar to Anne of Green Gables with spirited heroines, cozy small towns, and heartwarming adventures that capture that same charm. From classic tales of friendship and family to modern twists on timeless stories, these books will make you laugh, sigh, and root for every unforgettable character along the way.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Step into the warm, bustling March household and meet Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, four sisters who couldn’t be more different but are bound by love. The house is full of laughter, quarrels, creativity, and the scent of baked goods. Jo’s fierce independence, Beth’s quiet heart, and Amy’s artistic ambitions make every chapter feel like a glimpse into real life. It’s a story about growing up, family bonds, dreams, first loves, and the bittersweet lessons of life, all told with humor, heart, and charm. Don’t forget to check our list of the best books similar to Little Women!
Heidi by Johanna Spyri

The Swiss Alps have never felt more alive. Heidi, cheerful and endlessly curious, brings sunshine to her gruff grandfather’s home. The crisp mountain air, wildflower-filled meadows, and the gentle rhythm of village life make the setting feel magical. Heidi’s joy, empathy, and love of nature ripple through every scene, transforming the lives of everyone she meets. It’s a story full of innocence, adventure, and the simple beauty of a life connected to nature and kindness.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rebecca “Becky” Rowena is a whirlwind of imagination and charm, sent to live with her prim and proper aunts. Her pranks, creativity, and unstoppable optimism bring the small town to life. The book hums with the scent of country flowers, the sounds of bustling village streets, and the warmth of family and friendship. It’s playful, heartfelt, and brimming with the excitement of a spirited girl who refuses to be tamed by rules.
Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler

Anne navigates young adulthood in New York City with the same spirit, humor, and warmth that made her famous in Avonlea. Bustling streets, quirky neighbors, and the ups and downs of city life set the scene for her adventures. Her curiosity, resilience, and ability to see beauty in the ordinary make this story a delightful urban twist on a beloved classic.
What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

Katy Carr is full of energy, big ideas, and sometimes impulsive mischief. Life throws her a harsh twist when an accident confines her, forcing her to face limitations and learn patience. Yet even in adversity, Katy’s humor, warmth, and determination shine through. The story paints a cozy family home, sunlit gardens, and childhood adventures in vivid detail. It’s both tender and lively, showing the beauty of growth, resilience, and discovering the best in oneself.
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Valancy Stirling has lived a life of repression under her family’s strict rules, but the news of a terminal illness sparks a transformation. Suddenly, the world becomes hers to explore. The book is witty, romantic, and quietly rebellious, with lush descriptions of forests, mountains, and charming towns. It’s like stepping into a story where the heroine finds courage, joy, and love in the unlikeliest of places, a grown-up Anne with a twinkle in her eye.
Ana of California by Andi Teran

Ana’s story transports Anne’s charm to sunny California, full of beaches, palm trees, and new experiences. Ana is imaginative, mischievous, and spirited, and the story balances her daily adventures, friendships, and moments of self-discovery. It’s uplifting, lively, and infused with a sense of freedom and possibility that mirrors Anne’s enduring spirit. Perfect for ones looking for books similar to Anne of Green Gables.
Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

Emily Byrd Starr is sent to her relatives at New Moon, a windswept farm that mirrors her own loneliness and longing. Her imagination, love of writing, and dramatic flair bring life to the small, sometimes dreary village. The story captures the intimacy of home life, the tension of family expectations, and the wonder of creative discovery. Emily’s world feels like wandering through autumnal fields with a journal in hand, full of dreams, friendships, and challenges that shape her into someone extraordinary.
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

Cranford is a sleepy English town buzzing with small social dramas, humorous gossip, and eccentric yet lovable residents. Walking through its streets feels like a slow, delightful stroll past quaint houses, tea parties, and genteel conversations. The stories are gentle, witty, and often quietly profound, capturing the charm, warmth, and humor of everyday life in a way that fans of Anne’s Avonlea will instantly recognize.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Travel with the Ingalls family across prairies, forests, and small frontier towns. You’ll feel the wind, dust, and warmth of home-cooked meals, and live through the challenges and joys of pioneer life. It’s wholesome, adventurous, and full of the close family bonds, community spirit, and rural charm that make Anne’s Avonlea feel so comforting.
Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery

Anne moves to Summerside to teach, stepping into a world of new friends, quirky townspeople, and challenges. Her wit, creativity, and charm shine in every classroom, street, and social gathering. The town feels alive with festivals, gardens, and cozy homes, and watching Anne navigate, solve problems, and touch lives is like visiting a friend who’s clever, funny, and endlessly endearing. A must-read for readers seeking books similar to Anne of Green Gables.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

A magical, heartwarming story set in an orphanage for extraordinary children. The narrator, Arthur, discovers joy, friendship, and love among children who are funny, odd, and magical. The atmosphere is whimsical, cozy, and brimming with warmth and hope, reminiscent of Anne’s ability to bring light, joy, and optimism wherever she goes.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Written as letters, this book transports you to post-WWII Guernsey, where quirky island residents form deep connections through literature and shared history. You’ll feel the sea breeze, smell the pie baking, and laugh at the characters’ eccentricities. It’s charming, witty, and full of the kind of community warmth and resilience that Anne fans adore.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Elizabeth Bennet is witty, strong-minded, and refuses to compromise her integrity. Set in elegant ballrooms, country estates, and bustling English towns, the story captures romance, societal expectations, and clever humor. The dialogue sparkles, the relationships are nuanced, and Elizabeth’s intelligence and heart echo Anne’s cleverness and emotional depth. You should give this classic a chance if you’re looking for books similar to Anne of Green Gables. Don’t forget to check our list of the best books similar to Pride and Prejudice!
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Lennox begins in a dark, lonely house, unloved and misunderstood. But discovering a neglected garden transforms her world. Sunlight, fragrant flowers, hidden corners, and chirping birds fill the pages with life. As the garden blooms, so do the hearts of Mary, her cousin Colin, and the gardener Dickon. The atmosphere is magical yet grounded, celebrating friendship, healing, and the power of care and curiosity, a beautifully restorative read.
The Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace

Follow Betsy and Tacy growing up in the early 1900s in a small, idyllic town. Their days are filled with school, neighborhood adventures, imaginative games, and heartfelt friendship. The town hums with community events, cozy kitchens, and the kind of summer afternoons that linger in memory. It’s nostalgic, fun, and heartwarming—perfect for anyone who loves childhood tales full of imagination, loyalty, and small-town charm.
What are your favorite books similar to Anne of Green Gables? Comment below and let us update the list!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you love Anne Shirley’s imagination, charm, and adventurous spirit, you’ll enjoy books like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Heidi by Johanna Spyri, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin, and Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. These stories feature spirited heroines, cozy small towns, and heartwarming adventures.
Yes! There are contemporary retellings like Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noelle Weir, Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler, and Ana of California by Andi Teran. They keep Anne’s curiosity and warmth but place her in modern settings with new challenges, making her timeless charm feel fresh and relatable.
Books like The Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace, Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, and Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder are perfect if you love the cozy, community-filled atmosphere of Avonlea. They feature charming towns, quirky characters, and everyday adventures that feel like home.
Yes! The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White are magical and whimsical stories that emphasize kindness, friendship, and hope. While not exactly the same as Avonlea, they have the same heartwarming, imaginative feel that Anne fans love.
