Lois Gladys Leppard was the prolific author of the beloved "Mandie" series, a collection of children's novels featuring a young heroine navigating adventures in early 1900s North Carolina. With over forty books in the main series and an additional eight-book junior series, Leppard captivated young readers with mysteries that blended moral lessons, Christian values, and themes of overcoming prejudice. The stories, centered on Mandie and her Cherokee heritage, often drew inspiration from Leppard's mother's childhood experiences in the South.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Leppard pursued a multifaceted career as a professional singer, actress, and playwright. She and her sisters performed as the Larke Sisters singing group, and she studied music at Furman University and in New York City. Remarkably, Leppard drafted her first "Mandie" story at just eleven years old, though she set it aside for years before revisiting and expanding it into her signature series. Her books, which she could complete in two weeks uninterrupted, emphasized clean storytelling devoid of occult or vulgar content while addressing issues of discrimination related to race, class, and disability.
Leppard's "Mandie" series achieved widespread success, with sales nearing six million copies. She wrote from her South Carolina home, where she maintained a strong connection with her young readers through their enthusiastic letters. The books' enduring popularity stems from their engaging blend of historical setting, relatable characters like Mandie and her cat Snowball, and timeless lessons about faith and perseverance.