Examines similarities between L.M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" and Kate Douglas Wiggin's "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Raises questions about the Canadianness of Montgomery's novel and considers the author's literary indebtedness to American authors and contemporary children's literature. Argues that as a literary work, "Anne of Green Gables" has real strengths that make it more than a simple formula story. (SR)