Idella Bodie retired as a high school English and Creative Writing teacher from South Aiken High School in 1985 after teaching for 31 years. Mrs. Bodie has been writing for young readers for more than thirty years. Her first book, The Secret of Telfair Inn, published in 1971 by Sandlapper Publishing is still in print.  She is now the author of 25 books for upper elementary and middle school students.  Her books involve South Carolina history and geography.  Some of Mrs. Bodie’s books are used in schools across South Carolina having been incorporated into school curriculums.  Most recently, she completed a series about heroes and heroines of the Revolutionary War after eight and a half years of researching and writing.

Idella Bodie was born in Ridge Spring, South Carolina.  She holds a degree in English from Columbia College. She is a contributor to Highlights, Cricket, Mature Living and to Guideposts Magazine, She is listed in Gale’s Something About the Author (volumes 12 and 89), which can be found in the research section of public libraries. 

Awards and honors include:

• Three of her books have been South Carolina Book Award nominees.
• A 1980 winner of the Guideposts National Writing Competition
• The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution honored her for the Heroes and Heroines of the American Revolution series.
• South Aiken High School has a writing award in her honor.
• Her Alma Mater, Columbia College, presented her the Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award in 1988, and Toastmasters, the International Communication Award.
• South Carolina Library gave her a lifetime membership for the preservation of South Carolina's literary heritage.

To contact Idella Bodie email: ibodie@bellsouth.net

This series of twelve biographies spotlight men and women whose acts of bravery during America’s Revolutionary War contributed to the end of British rule in the colonies. These stories portray individuals who lived in South Carolina or in some way served in the 137 battles fought in South Carolina. The books are suitable for grades three to eight. Each illustrated volume includes a map, glossary, bibliography, and suggested classroom activities.   More info...