Anne of Green Gables

Author:  L.M. Montgomery
Lexile measure: not given, probably about 900-1050
Language: Appropriate
Violence: Anne hits Gilbert over the head with a slate when he calls her "carrots" (red hair) at school.
Big Kid Mature Topics:  Anne leads the life of a not so well treated servant girl after being orphaned as a baby.  Some small ones might find her story upsetting.  Also, she gets her best friend drunk (by accident).  There is some hinting at romance between Anne and a boy, Gilbert, but I think a young reader might easily mistake this for friendship.  Gossip.  Anne also nearly drowns.
Plot:  complex.
Illustrations:  none, though I have seen some editions with things elaborate as the occassional color picture.

I wasn't going to include this but dear daughter broke into my bookshelf and got the whole series out!!!  She insists she likes the pictures on the cover, but I have overheard her reading and know better.  This is what happens when you don't get enough books out at the library, right?   Although she can read it, I honestly think this series will be better appreciated when she gets older.  Also, if you do buy the entire set, be aware that Anne quickly grows up and most of the books have a romantic story line somewhere.