When 11-year-old Mandie Shaw's father dies, her life reaches a low point. Unwanted by a mother who has never loved her, the only things she looks forward to are visits from the man she calls "Uncle Ned"-a full-blooded Cherokee Indian. Longing for a home where she will be truly loved, Mandie seeks out family she has never met. After a perilous journey, she finds herself in the middle of luxury she can scarcely believe-and a mystery that will take all her brains and courage to solve. With turn-of-the-century North Carolina as her backdrop, Lois Leppard explores issues of race, religion, and family in this novel of a young girl's search to unravel the mystery of her identity. Kate Forbes' narration brilliantly brings life to the colorful characters and many twists Mandie encounters in this first book of a best-selling inspirational series.
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"Wow, this really brings back memories! I devoured these books in elementary school and I look forward to sharing them with my children someday. I really like the strong sense of morals in the book, and the way in which Mandie does the right thing in most of the circumstances. Two little "annoyances" about the book I have are the works-based Christianity, and the children's romance also grates on me a bit."
— Sarah (4 out of 5 stars)
“Leppard’s talent affords listeners an entertaining view of American history and biography not encountered often enough.”
— AudioFile" one of the best books I ever read!!! "
— Carley, 3/26/2021" I really liked this book! "
— Charity, 2/17/2014" oh my goodness, how i loved these books! "
— Sarah, 2/10/2014" Grew up on these books. <3 "
— Irene, 2/4/2014" My 4 star rating is based on when I read this book years ago. I really enjoyed reading the Mandie Series and was very sad to learn that the author passed away before completing Mandie's story :( "
— Nicole, 1/15/2014" OMG!!! these books are the best series that i have ever read. i totally forgot about them, but i just remembered and im dying to read them again, i haven't read them in about a year. everbody should read them!!! the only one that i didn't really enjoy, is the charelston phantom. they're AWESOME!!!!!!!! "
— Leo, 1/13/2014" BEST SERIES FOR LITTLE GIRLS IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! "
— Karie, 1/12/2014" These are great books for pre-teen kids to read...especially girls. I loved these when I was young and my 10 year old daughter is loving them now! "
— Cheryl, 1/12/2014" I remember reading these books when I was younger, and I'm re-reading them for nostalgia's sake. I loved them then, and it's a nice trip down memory lane for me. "
— Cara, 1/6/2014" Never finished this series but would love too! The books I did read were absolutely captivating! "
— Amanda, 1/5/2014" This is the ultimate book for 12 year olds! Every twelve year old girl needs to get to know Mandie. :) Read all the books before you turn 14, because by 14 they all get too stupid to read anymore. :) These books will always hold a fuzzy, warm place in my heart. "
— Laura, 12/27/2013" How do you read these books? "
— Sarah, 12/26/2013" When I was younger, I thought this series was the most amazing thing ever. Now, as I reread them, I realize how really young I was. "
— Lois, 12/1/2013" I read this book when i was young...and i loved it. "
— Meghan, 7/27/2013" Well, I really liked this series when I was 9-14, but I'm not sure how much I would anymore. I know they have their problems, but I liked the adventure and mystery, at least. Besides which, I always liked the cover art. :) "
— Melissa, 6/6/2013" I read each and every one of these when I was younger. I loved them - but they are far from being great works of literature :) "
— Hannah, 5/19/2013" This book had almost a "Cinderella"-quality to it, but it was such a neat story w/ an unexpected twist. I really enjoyed reading it! "
— Robyn, 4/4/2013" Thanks to my brother, this was my favorite series when I was a younger Mandee. "
— Mandee, 3/8/2013" Yeah, yeah, they're "girl books"... but it's not like I read the whole series (only the first 23 books to be exact) but what else is there to do after you've read all the Bobbsey Twins and Hardy Boys? "
— Tim, 11/26/2012" The Mandie series is very seriously one of the best series I have ever read. It is mysterious, captivating, and best of all great for all ages. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves to read! "
— Gildaratliff25, 11/26/2012" I liked the Mandie books well enough when they were set in the Blue Ridge, where she could have adventures with her Cherokee kin. I lost interest when she went to Europe. "
— Zigforas, 11/19/2012" Great series for girls. My friends and I love to reminisce about this book. "
— Kasi, 10/29/2012" Read as a little girl and Loved them! =) "
— Michelle, 10/5/2012" I read Mandie when I was a little girl, but even now it is still a fairly enjoyable story. "
— Brittany, 7/8/2012" I loved this whole series when I was younger! "
— Khristina, 5/4/2012Kate Forbes, winner of four Earphones Awards for audiobook narrating, is a professionally trained actress who has appeared on Broadway, in regional theaters, and with a renowned touring company. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was active in theater, she completed an MFA at New York University School of the Arts. With this training, she launched into a successful acting career.