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.

Interview with the Author

1. What helps you to write? Do you eat snacks, listen to music?

While I’m writing, I like to snack on popcorn with a mug of decaf green tea (plain-no cream or sugar, please). Of course, anything chocolate is another go-to! I prefer working in silence (no background music), but I’m able to focus and work even if it is a noisy environment.

What is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all her books, but Pride and Prejudice is so captivating that I never grow bored with it. I’ve read it countless times and watched the movie versions many times as well (the one with Colin Firth is my favorite). The love story between Elizabeth and Darcy is timeless. It’s a testament to Jane Austen’s great talent that her works continue to hold such appeal generation after generation.

What is your favorite hymn and why?

It’s very difficult to pick just one! I love Amazing Grace because it embodies the concepts of forgiveness and redemption and exemplifies God’s saving grace. I also like the song God Bless America. Although not a hymn per se, it is often sung in church. The music and lyrics resonate with me, reinforcing my gratitude for living in such a wonderful country.

What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I am passionate about my work as a physical therapist. I specialize in lymphedema, oncology rehab, pelvic floor rehab, and osteoporosis. There are few things more satisfying than playing a role in helping others to heal and regain function. I am also a member of our hospital’s ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Team. I hope researchers develop more treatments for this devastating illness.

What inspired you to write this book?

After I wrote Saving Mount Rushmore, I felt as though John Jenkins and Team Liberty needed a second mission. I decided to write about their efforts to save the Statue of Liberty. The most enjoyable 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!