Lois Gladys Leppard is a very talented author. She knows exactly how to draw the attenion of any 8-12 year old to her fantastic books. In the first chapter, Mandie's father dies and her stepmother is cruel to her. So, her dear indian friend, Uncle Ned leads her to her uncle John's mansion where she discovers a tunnel built by her great-grandfather in order to hide the Cherokees when they were being driven out of their land by the whites. Also she is reunited with her real mother, who marries Mandie's uncle John.This great story will keep you on the edge of your seat and not want to put it down. Keep writing those Mandie books, Mrs. Leppard!