The Mandie Collection by Lois Gladys Leppard

The Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard is a mystery adventure series that takes place in the early 1900’s in the southern United States. It follows Mandie Shaw, a young girl who solves mysteries with her friends, family and kitten Snowball. She has mixed Cherokee Nation lineage and often crosses cultural lines to help the friends and community around her. The series takes Mandie traveling all over the United States and Europe. She has strong faith, relies on God, prays, believes that God is just and looks out for his people. There are strong themes of family, loyalty, friendship, fairness, and justice. The entire series follows Mandie from a preteen all the way through college. The Junior novels are written about her time before the main series begins. There are 40 main series books, 8 junior novels and several specialty titles.

Reading Level: Ages 8-10
Read Aloud Age: 8+

These books have been a classic for a long time. I think they do stand the test of time and can engage a modern reader if the child reads them early enough. Mandie is a fallible character that shows growth. She accepts corrections and wants the best for those around her. She is tender and stubborn. She does not alienate those who do not believe what she does but always stands up for her faith. I enjoy the secondary characters as well. The Cherokee community and culture is valued although very simplified. For this age I do think it is appropriate and not confusing as they do not go into spiritual differences. They do talk about how the Native American were treated poorly in the US and Mandie does her best to support their community. The books address racial tensions and reconciliations between those living in community with one another.

What I don’t love is the jealous and romantic aspects between the very young people. Boyfriend and girlfriend is mentioned, promissory engagements and jealousy is prevalent. My daughter (age 11) however says she related to Mandie on not understanding boys and sometimes feeling jealous for no reason. As long as the reading age is followed I think it is fine and won’t put any new ideas into their heads. There is violence and peril but nothing graphic or disturbing. Bad men are bad because they make bad choices and the good guys are good because they want to make it right. It is very black and white, no gray moral areas.

While she is rich by most standards, Mandie is kind and trusting. I like that she goes to college and seeks an education yet maintains the qualities learned from where she was raised. She has many adventures but asks permission or forgiven if not. She is a good example and a good friend. Her faith is strong despite losing her father and having a tumultuous young life. Her faith can stand up to her doubts and questions which is good. It is a sweet series that is an easy and exciting read. She does have attitude and disobedience problems, as any child would, but most importantly asks for forgiveness for them and tries her best. A good example for girls and boys. Could easily be a living book to use as a stand point for more discovery on the time period.

Language:
Damned to hellfire, dumbhead, white people, dumb, stupid, shucks, idiot,and Ebonics is used for the African American population.

Questionable Behavior:
Bad men shoot to kill, drink liquor, get drunk, kidnap, smoke, gamble, and steal.
Sexual Content
Light flirting, promissory engagement, jealousy, being in love with someone (in later books).

Things to know:
Parental death, spanking(indirectly), talk of ghosts, happy hunting ground

Spiritual content:
Scripture is used appropriately, prayers to God, questions and doubts are wrestled with. Mandie defends her faith and the character of God. She asks for forgiveness and confesses sins or disobedience.

This review is written by Good Book Mom contributor, LeeAnne. To learn more about LeeAnne, click HERE.

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