The Contest

Rosy is thrilled when she learns she could win a set of L.M. Montgomery's books from the library in an Anne of Green Gables look-alike contest. But will Rosy, a half-Native brunette, be able to compete with her red-haired and freckled friend Lydia?

How can a half Mohawk girl win the Anne of Green Gables lookalike contest? Rosy is determined to win the prize, a brand new set of the Anne books. This short novel offers a strong female character who won’t let anything get in the way of her dreams. An appealing story about First Nations character education, Rosy’s friendships, and the pride she has despite her impoverished family situation, are inspiring. The Contest is also a fine tribute to libraries and librarians.

Also available: The Scratch on the Ming Vase by Caroline Stellings

Teacher’s guide available (http://goo.gl/WW5TC4)

When Rosy – a resident of Hamilton, Ontario – first learns about the Anne of Green Gables contest being held in nearby Rockton, she is excited but skeptical. Excited because she knows everything one could possibly know about Anne, and would have no problem reciting a piece from one of the books or demonstrating a “visible portrayal of personality.” Most of all, Rosy is excited about the prize for this contest: a brand new boxed set of all eight of the Anne books! For a girl whose only books are secondhand or from the library, this prize would be a dream come true. However, Rosy is skeptical because it is, after all, a look-alike contest and she is part Mohawk… not exactly the spitting image of pale, freckled, red-haired Anne Shirley.

Then Rosy meets and befriends Lydia, a true Anne look-alike who is also entering the contest, and she is worried. As Rosy plots and plans to pull together a costume and works hard to make all the necessary arrangements to get to Rockton for the contest, she also gets to know more about Lydia and her very privileged but lonely life. While Lydia comes from a well-to-do family and has luxuries that Rosy could only ever dream of, she too has her own reasons for desperately wanting to win the contest. Ultimately, when the crucial moment arrives, Rosy makes a big – and truly Anne-like – decision.

Part Mohawk though she may be, Rosy’s spirit and spunk are assuredly akin to Anne’s own. She is a charming heroine with a quirky and delightful cast of characters surrounding her, and her determination to enter the contest and willingness to work hard to get there are inspiring. Yet it is her good fortune in being so surrounded by loving family and friends, and her recognition of that good fortune, which leaves a lasting impression. This is a lovely addition to Second Story Press’s Gutsy Girl series.