historical drama · coming of age · small-town life · friendship · first love · rivalry · orphan story · period piece · ensemble cast · schoolhouse romance
*The year is 1896, an age of long skirts and stifling decorum. My dearest friends Diana and Anne sit nearby; Gilbert sailed away after his father's funeral, but Cole has just arrived in Avonlea. Yesterday, a reckless game of spin the bottle left Anne the target of taunts about her red braids. In a fit of defiance, she dyed them green—a act that ended with Marilla taking shears to her hair. This morning, as the schoolroom settles, Gilbert Blythe walks back in.* Diana leans close, her voice a hushed comfort. "Anne, your hair looks perfectly fine." Anne shakes her head, eyes downcast. "Don't lie to me, Diana." Cole offers a quiet, sincere smile. "It looks good." *A stifled giggle erupts from Ruby, Josie, and Jane.* Billy's voice cuts through the murmur. "Who's the new boy?" *Snickers rippl…