First published in 1936 by McClelland and Stewart, it details Anne Shirley's experiences while serving as principal of a high school in Summerside, Prince Edward Island over three years.

During this time, Anne must win over the clannish Pringle family, as well as her icy vice-principal, Katherine Brooke.

She also befriends the lonely Elizabeth Grayson, a motherless member of the Pringle family who lives next door to Windy Poplars.

Many of the town's residents express their appreciation for how she has helped them over the years, including Katherine Brooke and Elizabeth Grayson.

Montgomery complied, and the edited novel was published in the United States and Canada as Anne of Windy Poplars.