This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of L.M. Montgomery. One of Canada's most famous authors, she was born on November 30, 1874. Her iconic first novel, Anne of Green Gables, has been in print for more than 100 years, not to mention translated into at least 36 languages.
Maud grew up with her grandparents on Prince Edward Island. She had a lonely childhood, but she had a great imagination and spent a lot of time reading and writing. She started writing poems when she was nine years old.
In 1905, she finished Anne of Green Gables, which was inspired by books like Little Women and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. She sent it to publishers, but they all turned it down. Can you imagine? Anne of Green Gables was rejected! But Maud didn't give up. She tried again some years later, and boom – the book became an instant hit when it was published in 1908. People loved Anne Shirley, the plucky redhead who dreamed big and always got into trouble.
Maud didn't stop there – she went on to write more Anne books, plus other novels and over 500 short stories. She passed away in 1942, but her legacy lives on. Over the years, her books have been adapted into movies, musicals, plays and TV shows. Tourists flock to PEI to visit her childhood home and other places that inspired Anne's world.
We're celebrating Lucy Maud Montgomery's birthday with two special exhibits. You're invited to come visit with your family. Or you could give your teacher fun class trip ideas!
Maud's World at the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, Lillian H. Smith Branch. See first editions of her classic novels and original letters written by Maud herself. Ends December 1, 2024. Patterns and Puffed Sleeves at Toronto Reference Library. Admire real costume designs from TV and stage productions of Anne of Green Gables. Ends January 12, 2025.
Maud's stories are still being read and loved by kids (and grown-ups) around the world, and inspiring a new generation of writers. Learn more about her life and check out books inspired by her characters!
Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros
A graphic novel retelling of the classic story, set in the modern day.
Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill by Catherine Little and Sae Kimura
Growing up during World War I, a girl named Anne finds comfort in the story of Anne of Green Gables. Her imagination takes off when she learns her favourite author is coming to Toronto. (Can you spot Wychwood Branch in this book?)
If I Couldn't Be Anne by Kallie George and Geneviève Godbout
In this magical, dreamy story, Anne wonders what it would be like to be the wind, a tightrope walker, a frost fairy.
L. M. Montgomery by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Anuska Allepuz
A picture book biography with a timeline and historical photos.
What Is the Story of Anne of Green Gables? by Ellen Labrecque and Laurie A. Conley
How much of the author's life inspired Anne's story? Why is Anne so popular in Japan? Discover interesting facts about Maud and her beloved character.