Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid
A multicultural, interesting novel students will enjoy
Published in 1985
Set in Antigua, a former British colony in the Caribbean
Multiculturalism in Comparisons
- Annie' comments on how they learn about Christopher Columbus as a hero but he took over the islands from the natives who lived there first.
- Annie's description of her classmate, Ruth, who is from England and seems to feel out of place in Antigua and guilty around her classmates of African descent because of what had happened between their ancestors.
- Annie's mothers' persistent belief in old-fashioned, superstitious remedies and precautions to avoid and cure illnesses or injuries.
Meet Annie
A Relatable Story About Growing Up
Have you ever...
- Started at a new school?
- Argued with your parents?
- Shared a secret hideout with your best friend?
- Made a joke about something you've learned?
- Grown apart from a once-close friend?
- Met someone whom you wished you could be just like?
- Said something you immediately regret?
Plot Highlights
Time to grow up
Annie's problems in her relationship with her mother begin when her mother tells her that she is too old for them to wear matching clothes anymore. Annie, who had always had a close relationship with her mother is shocked and upset by this, because she had wanted their lives to stay the same forever.
A new school
Because she is older, Annie must attend a new school. Initially, the idea of a new school and new classmates makes Annie nervous, but she soon makes new friends and earns the top grades in the class. Even though she is bright and successful in her lessons, Annie misbehaves at school and gains a reputation for her mischief.
The Red Girl
Outside of school, Annie makes friends with another girl whom her mother disapproves of because she never bathes and loves to do unladylike things such as climbing trees and playing marbles. Annie begins sneaking off to meet the Red Girl, and starts keeping more and more secrets from her mother.
Full of humor, bringing comic relief to dramatic moments
"The piano teacher, a shriveled-up old spinster from Lancashire, England, soon asked me not to come back, since I seemed unable to resist eating from the bowl of plums she had placed on the table purely for decoration."
"'You are Annie John? We hear you are very bright.' It was a good thing Miss Nelson walked in right then, for how would it have appeared if I had replied, 'Yes, that is completely true,'--the very thing that was on the tip of my tongue."