ANA OF CALIFORNIA
by Andi Teran
Fifteen-year-old Ana Cortez has spent her life shuttling into, but mostly out of, foster homes. Now she has one last chance to find a home—working on a California farm.
Spunky Ana has seen everything from gang shootings to child abuse, but she doesn’t know the difference between Chinese eggplant and turnips. Farm owner Emmett Garber is skeptical about her ability to do well on the farm, but his sister, Abbie, hopes that with enough food and affection Ana will come into her own. But Ana’s hot temper, her fashionista best friend, and an enigmatic boy who keeps turning up at all the wrong times keep landing her in trouble. In her debut novel, Teran presents a modern riff on the beloved classic Anne of Green Gables. Fans will recognize their favorite moments embedded in a darker take. Teran populates her novel with modern bugbears—drugs, gang violence, and hipsters. Newcomers will find a smart-mouthed heroine, a small town populated by a cast of lovable characters, and zippy dialogue that keeps the plot trotting along.
Anne of Green Gables fans will rejoice; newcomers will find a satisfying tale; and Ana’s high jinks will leave both types of readers smiling and asking for more.