From Anna

A beloved Canadian favourite is available again with a fresh new cover and classic interior illustrations for its 50th anniversary.



Nine-year-old Anna has always been the clumsy one in the family. Somehow she can never do anything right. She bumps into tables, and she can't read the blackboard at her school. Her perfect brothers and sisters call her “Awkward Anna.”

When Papa announces that the family is moving from Germany to Canada — after the disappearance of some Jewish neighbours he can see what the Nazis' rise to power will bring — Anna's heart sinks. How can she learn English when she can't even read German properly?

But when the Soldens arrive in Canada, Anna learns that there is a reason for her clumsiness. And suddenly, wonderfully, her whole world begins to change. Especially when her new friends in a special class at school help her stand up to some bullies who call her names.

A truly heartwarming story of an underdog who prevails; it is impossible not to cheer for prickly, determined, wonderful Anna.

Bonus content includes an introduction by Katherine Paterson, an afterword by the author, plus reader discussion questions and activities.