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 the greatest advice you have ever been given about writing?
I think the greatest advice I have ever been given is to write about what you know and love. Five of my books are about one of my passions, volunteering as an emergency medical technician with my local EMS squad. I’ve been volunteering for 38 years and have responded to more than 10,000 first aid and fire calls. My latest book is called A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging. It combines my knowledge from being a physical therapist (a career I love) with my EMT experience.

What book made you fall in love with reading?
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! 

Can you share something interesting or surprising you learned while researching for the book?
Here are a few fun facts that I learned while researching Saving the Statue of Liberty:

There are 154 steps from the pedestal to the head of the Statue of Liberty.

There are seven rays on the crown. They are thought to represent the seven continents.

The official dedication ceremony was held October 28, 1886.

The statue, from the base of the pedestal to the tip of the torch, is 305 feet, 6 inches.

What was the most challenging part of bringing this book to life? 
The most challenging part of writing Saving the Statue of Liberty was to provide clues and create puzzles that were interactive and fun for young readers to solve. I recall enjoying reading mystery books as a child, and I loved gathering the clues and solving the puzzles. I wanted to provide the same sense of joy and satisfaction to my readers.

What was the most rewarding part of bringing this book to life?
The most rewarding part of writing Saving the Statue of Liberty was visiting Ellis Island, Liberty State Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Liberty Science Center with my family as I researched the book. I went through the Touch Tunnel at Liberty Science Center twice to make sure I could accurately describe the experience within one of the chapters.