My 8 year old daughter and I just finished reading Afternoon of the Elves. While my daughter had trouble liking Sara-Kate at first, by the end she had developed compassion for her. It was a treat to enjoy the same book together. I look forward to enjoying more of your stories.

Our fifth grade class just finished reading this book. Why won't you write a sequel to Afternoon of the Elves? It's so good that we can't stand it. We JUST want to read more. We know that you meant to leave it that way, so we are going to write our own endings in our class. The book always kept us thinking. Our teacher was reading a chapter every couple of days. When we got to chapter 10, we had to finish the book, so we begged her to keep going after each chapter. Chapters 10 - 15 were finished in one day, in one session because we couldn't wait to see what would happen next. We also think it should be a movie. Thank you for writing Afternoon of the Elves!!!

Dear Ms. Lisle:

I read "Afternoon of the Elves" in librarian school along with seventy other books in one semester. It became my unexpected, unrivaled favorite. I am talking with a local librarian about a reader's theatre script. No money would be charged for the show and the library purchased several copies of this book. I would like very much to adapt this story, if you have not already done so. I felt I should write for permission, and I am not sure of the policy. Your sophisticated picture of a nonsexual seduction disguised as friendship is something more children and parents should read. I also enjoyed "Forest" and "Black Duck", but this story is a triumph of characterization.

May I adapt it for reader's theatre?

Sincerely,

Laurel Holmgren

First, I would like to thank you, and anything or one that may have aided you in your composition in this book. Due to this book, and several after, I chose to pursue my aspirations of becoming an author. I initially spotted this book squeezed tightly into the shelves of my elementary school's public library. Often had I found myself there, and quite frequently I was in need of a new story to immerse myself in. When I first stumbled into this tale I was around the age of eight or nine. As I dove further into the confines of the tale's binding I added it mentally as, quite possibly, my favourite of all the stories I had read to that point. I found myself emotionally empathetic towards both the young girls. It has been quite a while since I have read this book, but I always recommend it to others, even those past my own age.
Thank you again.

I post frequently... This would make an AWSOME MOVIE!!!! Sorry i jsut had to get it out of me! It just... Yea ok anyway.... Great book...

Now that I realise this, I like how you ended this book. It lets you think of the possibilities. And you need to know that. Lisle can shape the next genaration of readers with an unexplained ending. And rexpect that.

When I first read this book it drew me in like how Hillary was drawn in by the elf village. I realised that Sara-Kate was very elf-like far before Hillary had noticed anything. This book is a wonderful adventure full of mystery and dazzling moments. Actully I had cried alot when I read this book. It just... It really made you feel everything. I related most to Sara-Kate. Even though, I am only in 4th grade, I cuold really see this book in varouis situations. A misunderstood girl who was actully afraid but gave off a strong aura. A facinating tale of how two girls start to see 'the way of the elves' Furthermore, I belive that this book has a great potential for a sequel or even a series. This book even overshowed the wonderful compositions of The Slave Dancer. A book I read before strting this wonderful tale.

I read your book in class when we were doing Newbery literature circles. Other authors included Avi, Gary Paulsen, etc. I loved this book but I wish the ending made more sense. Because you never said anything about elves disappearing. My favorite character was Sara-Kate, because she did a good job of taking care of her family. And she was feisty :)

JTL Talks With Students in Rhode Island about Afternoon of The Elves. See the photos and comments.
12/5/07