Ramblings-n-Writings

Archive for January 26th, 2010

Do you remember reading the Mandie books when you were growing up? Or maybe your girls or granddaughters have read the series? Here’s the description of the first book …

Amanda Shaw, Mandie for short, is almost a teenager, and she is certain God no longer loves her as she watches her father being lowered into his grave. Mandie’s move into a neighbor family’s home, when her mother remarries, does not soften her grief. Her only comfort is the promise from her father’s faithful Cherokee friend, Uncle Ned, to watch out for her and be a friend.

Will Mandie be able to escape her new and nearly intolerable home situation? Will she find her long-lost family? When she finds a mysterious key, she hopes it will unlock the door to a secret tunnel and her own family’s history. This wholesome, entertaining series for young readers is a delightful mingling of suspense, tears and joy. Recommended for ages 8 to 13.

I remember getting Mandie books for my birthday, Christmas, good grades on my report card, and probably other occasions. I was growing up at the time when author Lois Gladys Leppard was writing the series so it was always a looooong wait between each book. It probably wasn’t as long as it seemed, but to a little girl wanting to know what mystery happened next, it seemed like forever!

(According to the Mandie website, there’s 40 books in the series. If your daughters (elementary – middle school age) haven’t read the books, I highly recommend them.)

Anyway, I found out the most interesting piece of information via Facebook today. And, by the way, this totally made my day! Someone made a Mandie movie!!! In fact, there’s a sequel that is scheduled to start production very soon. (I learned this fun fact from one of my former students who is on the film production crew for the sequel – how cool is that?)

The first movie is about the first book, Mandie and the Secret Tunnel. From what I’ve been told, the movie follows the book’s plot fairly close. And the preview trailer makes it look like a great movie.

Since I have the entire series of Mandie books gracing a shelf in my office, I had to order the DVD. I feel like I’m 12 years old again waiting patiently for the next book to come out. And, I know that others of you who enjoyed the series or have little girls who enjoy would love to watch the trailer and other movie/production clips. I’m including the trailer here but make sure you go to the Mandie Movies site to see more.

MANDIE and the SECRET TUNNEL Trailer from Owen Smith on Vimeo.

*This is not a paid review, but merely ramblings of my own about something that made my heart glad.