Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel, Emily of New Moon is the brilliant story of a free-spirited, orphaned girl, whose vivid imagination, passion to write, and romantic nature clash with her strict adoptive family. Season one follows Emily as she adjusts to a new school, makes new friends, and attempts to discover her parents' and family's past. Through it all, Emily handles her difficult issues with poise beyond her years and with an uncanny ability to wonderfully complicate the lives of everyone around her.

When her beloved father dies, thirteen-year-old Emily Starr, orphaned and lonely, is sent to live with her mother's relatives at New Moon Farm, but despite her stern Aunt Elizabeth and malicious classmates, Emily's quick wit and lively imagination help her to form friendships and begin to feel at home.