Anne of Green Gables: lasting popularity

Anne of Green Gables is now more than 100 years old, and it's been charming little girls for 5 generations. What it is about the book that accounts for its lasting popularity?

Anne Shirley is a fascinating personality. She is so different than any other heroine of her age that we are just naturally drawn to her. Also there is the perfect balance of severity and softness between Matthew and Marilla. And kids are kids the whole world over and a 9 year old is pretty much a 9 year old whether 100 years ago or today.
belva