By modern standards, Montgomery's emphasis on good manners and moral lessons may seem heavy-handed, but Anne's life is far from dull, and most readers see encouraging parallels between themselves and her. Montgomery captures the happy side of childhood: the excitement of finding a "bosom friend," creating a romantic fantasy world, and receiving small privileges.

Anne experiences the dark side of childhood as well: the loneliness of the outsider, the sense of being unattractive, and the grief of losing someone very dear. Most of Anne's triumphs follow extreme embarrassment. Her imagination, impulsiveness, and tendency to talk too much lead to one misadventure after another. Still, through a combination of resourcefulness and good luck, Anne manages to avoid any dire consequences.