Dear Mrs. Levine,
My name is Emerson Lee. I am a ten year old homeschooled girl living in California, and I very recently finished Ella Enchanted. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and thought it was a beautiful, exciting, and overall such a wonderful story.
I would like to be an author myself when I grow up, or even better, now! I have enjoyed writing books ever since I could remember. When I was in first grade, I wrote a story about a princess kicking a dragon to London. I called it “Emerson, Princess of Science.” I admit, when I re-read it now, I realize that it made no sense, but that is not the point. The point is, I love writing and reading books, especially fantasy and empowering stories about girls standing up to injustice. Maybe in the future, I might send you a piece of my writing, if that’s okay with you.
I wrote to you for two main reasons. Firstly, because I would like some tips for writing fantasy books. I start many stories, and always have too many other ideas that I want to write to finish the old stories. Secondly, now that I have finished many wonderful books such as Ella Enchanted, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Little House on the Prairie, Stand Up Yumi Chung!, Front Desk, Amari and the Night Brothers, the Night Diary, and countless others, I would like more book recommendations. What were some of your favorite books and authors when you were my age?
Anyway, I know your time is very valuable, so I will end here. Thank you for reading this, and spending the time writing books for the world to enjoy.


Your newly found fan,
Emerson Lee


P.S If you cannot respond, that is okay.

Dear Ms Carson Levine,

I grew up reading your books and was always excited whenever a new title appeared on my library's shelf. You inspired me as a young girl to create my own stories and write them down. I actually still have a couple books you signed for me at an event (Ella and Bamarre). I was young, and so flustered to meet you that I couldn't say a word. Oh well! If I could go back several years and tell you one thing, it would be thank you. I loved many of your books, but the one I read until its cover was tattered was Ella Enchanted. I related to her so strongly, I realize now, because I grew up in an abusive household. I almost lost my sense of identity because of the abuse, my father even described me as his "obedient daughter" when I was 20 or so. I got out, I'm recovering, and I'm doing well now, but I still go back to Ella and her trials and the spunk that saved her. Thank you, thank you for a story which gave us permission to say "no," and encouraged us to find any way we could to stay true to ourselves.

Dear Mrs. Levine,

I am 31 years old and I first read Ella Enchanted when I was 8 years old in 1998. After I had finished the book I told my classmates that one day I would have a little girl and name her Ella. It is because of this wonderful book that I cherished over the years that I have a 7-year-old, (almost 8) named Ella.
I want to thank you for the stories you tell and I cannot wait until Ella reads the book of her namesake.

I appreciate all that you do!

Thank you,

Olinda

I just read you pep talk for nanowrimo, and I thought it was very helpful, and kind of funny.
Thank you

Hello Gail, I recently reread my childhood favourite “Ella enchanted”. I am a 30 year who recently fled an abusive relationship. As I sought comfort in your book I was struck over and over by statements and situations that highlighted what it feels like to have ones ability to consent, to say “no”, ones freedom of choice removed. Freedom to choose thoughts, emotions… so much paralleled my life. I too was told how I needed to feel or what expression to have in my face. I think your book is incredibly important. I will be reading it to my children as I teach them the importance of saying “no”, of having freedom of choice. Thank you for your work.