About the Book

Book: Saving the Statue of Liberty (Saint Michael the Archangel Academy Book Two)

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Middle Grade Action Adventure

Release date: October 18, 2018

John Jenkins is on probation at Saint Michael the Archangel Academy. That means one wrong move on his part, and he’ll be tossed off Team Liberty like wilted lettuce on a soggy hamburger bun. But Team Mischief, up to their old tricks again, plans to vandalize the Statue of Liberty. Knowing his team needs him, John snags the opportunity to prove himself worthy of the academy. Together, Team Liberty must uncover clues and solve puzzles at Liberty State Park and Ellis Island as they race against the mischievous trio to save the universal symbol of freedom from harm.

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About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers has a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her rescue squad for over thirty-five years and has responded to 10,000 first aid and fire calls. Writing is one of her passions, and she is the award-winning author of numerous inspirational books as well as A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging. She also enjoys reading, spending time with family, and visiting new places. She lives with her family and pet bunny on the east coast.

More from Andrea

In Saving Mount Rushmore-Mission One, John Jenkins, an awkward thirteen-year-old teenager, is unexpectedly chosen to attend Saint Michael the Archangel Academy. The top-secret school’s mission is to protect our nation by assisting authorities in solving crimes. Since the academy is for students with extraordinary abilities, John is puzzled as to why he’s been accepted. After all, he’s an average teen without any notable gifts.

While working with Team Liberty to save Mount Rushmore from Devlin Black and Team Mischief, John struggles to discover his special gifts. He’s mortified when he discovers that he’s been accepted to the academy due to a clerical error. He becomes strictly an “observer” until the mission’s end. But when his teammates run into trouble, John must summon up the courage to try to save Mount Rushmore. He learns that every person has special God-given gifts—including him.

I came up with the idea for Saving Mount Rushmore while in the airport, just before our plane departed for the famous landmark. I wrote feverishly the entire flight, and the first chapters were born. Saving Mount Rushmore is a middle grade novel which combines information about Mount Rushmore, adventure, and Christian values. My goal was to write an exciting, fun, educational book for middle grade readers that incorporates Christian values into the fabric of the story.

John and his friends have an opportunity to save another national monument in the sequel, Saving the Statue of Liberty-Mission Two. While performing research for the book, my family and I visited Liberty Science Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. While exploring the science center, I went through the pitch-black Touch Tunnel several times to make sure I could bring it to life in the book. Although I had visited these landmarks when I was young, it was incredibly fun to re-explore them through the eyes of my characters.

I hope you accompany John and Team Liberty in their action-packed adventures as they race to save the iconic Statue of Liberty. Come along for the ride and explore our fine country’s history, heritage, and landmarks.

Author Interview

What is your favorite genre of books? Why?

My favorite genre to read is romance, especially if it includes a hint of intrigue. I believe in true love and enjoy happy endings. Reading romance novels is a wonderful way to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. I prefer the kind with a happy “love-wins-out” ending, rather than a “I need more tissues” conclusion.

Are you a one project at a time author or do you have multiple projects going at once?

I work full-time as a physical therapist and respond to approximately 350 first aid and fire calls each year as a volunteer emergency medical technician with my local first aid squad, so life is always quite Juggling multiple projects becomes a necessity. I may be working on a full-length book but will write a short story during the midst of it. For example, I took a break from writing A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging and penned Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers: True Stories of Faith and Miracles from a First Responder.

How has your life experience helped in your writing journey?

Several years back, my son Thomas and I survived an elevator accident. The accident inspired me to start writing stories about my inspirational experiences as a volunteer EMT with my local first aid squad. When my children were in middle school, I decided to write a middle grade action adventure. While we were waiting to board the plane to Rapid City, South Dakota to visit Mount Rushmore, I got the idea for Saving Mount Rushmore. I began writing the book on the plane! Saving the Statue of Liberty is the sequel.

Who is your favorite author? Why?

My favorite author is Jane Austen. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all her books, but my favorite is Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it countless times and watched the movie versions many times as well (the one with Colin Firth is my favorite). It’s so impressive that she created numerous timeless classics that continue to hold such appeal generation after generation. She is truly an outstanding role model for authors like me.

Do you have extensive outlines when writing or do you write a book as you go?

I normally create detailed outlines for each book that I write. I enjoy the planning and organizing steps, and I definitely prefer to work from an outline. I also like to be able to check things off as I make progress.

Do you remember the first book you read? What sort of impact did it make on you?

One of the first books I read was the children’s version of National Velvet, which I checked out from our local library (over and over again). I cherished every single illustration, dreaming of one day riding a horse myself. When I reached high school, I mucked stalls to help pay for lessons. The book taught me about determination, not giving up, and doing your very best. A few years ago, I spotted the book in a used bookstore and bought it on the spot!

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

I am able to stay focused in almost any environment. When my children were young, I would jot down thoughts or write book chapters while waiting for their sporting events to begin. I always have paper and a pen with me, and sometimes I write while waiting for a doctor or dental appointment or during my lunch hour. But, with that said, I prefer to work at my desk, with a cup of decaf tea close by.