Language & Logic

In my reading, I’ve been thinking about belonging. Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorites because Anne reminds me of how it feels to start in a new place. I wanted to connect her story to what belonging means for students today.

This post is part of my ongoing project where I read classic books and pair them with nonfiction articles. I don’t see these as final essays, but as ways for me to explore ideas and practice writing.

📘 Classic Book

Anne of Green Gables (1908) — Lucy Maud Montgomery | Theme: Finding Voice and Belonging in a New School Community

📄 Nonfiction Article

“Do You Feel Like You Belong?” (2020) — Kelly-Ann Allen, Frontiers | Theme: Belonging as a Foundation for Confidence, Motivation, and Well-Being

📚 Book Summary

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery tells the story ofAnne Shirley, an imaginative orphan who is mistakenly adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The Cuthberts had expected to adopt a boy to help with farm work, so Anne’s arrival is a surprise. Even though she has no material possessions, her imagination and lively spirit gradually reshape the lives of the Cuthberts and the Avonlea community. Anne makes mistakes, like when she accidentally dyes her hair green or quarrels with classmates, but she never loses her optimism.

🔎 Literary Spotlight

Both the novel and the article show how belonging can transform lives. At the beginning of the story, Anne is defensive, insecure, and aware of her differences. Once she is accepted by the Cuthberts and her classmates, she flourishes both socially and academically. Belonging gives her the confidence to believe in herself and imagine a brighter future. The article reinforces this idea with research, showing that belonging cultivates motivation, resilience, and overall well-being. Just as Anne gained confidence once she was trusted and cared for, students today develop inner strength when they feel included in their schools and communities.

📰 Article Summary

In the article “Do You Feel Like You Belong?” Kelly-AnnAllen explains why belonging is a foundational human need. Belonging means feeling part of something larger, whether that is a school, a group of friends, or a family. The article demonstrates that students who feel a sense of belonging are often more confident, perform better in school, and feel greater happiness overall. On the other hand, students who feel excluded often struggle with sadness and diminished self-worth. I was surprised to learn that nearly one in three students report not feeling that they belong at school. The article also emphasizes that belonging is not fixed. It can change depending on relationships with teachers, peers, and parents.

I’m still wondering how belonging shapes identity in different places — at school, at camp, or even online. Maybe my next post will help me explore this more.