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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I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author's opinons.

Author Interview

Andrea Rodgers

Kate Fowler Interview Questions: Fiction

● What was your process to align your book with your target audience?

Saving the Statue of Liberty-Mission Two is targeted towards readers of the first

book, Saving Mount Rushmore-Mission One and anyone who enjoys a fun,

middle grade action adventure with a Christian worldview. After I finished writing

the first book, I thought that John Jenkins and Team Liberty needed a second

adventure, so I began plotting another book.

● What was the most challenging part of writing your book? 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 clues. I wanted

to provide the same sense of joy and satisfaction to my readers.

● What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book? 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 within one of the

chapters of my book.

● Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned

and organized? Why? My writing process for this book was planned out and

organized. I had already written the first book, Saving Mount Rushmore, so I had

ideas in mind for the sequel. I visited the sites I wanted to include in the book,

created an outline, and then wrote the book. However, sometimes spontaneous

ideas come to me, and I weave them into the book.

● How many books do you personally own? I own numerous bookshelves full of

books covering a large variety of topics. Some are nonfiction, dealing with

physical therapy and health-related topics. Since I have been a volunteer EMT

for over 35 years and have written five books about my inspirational experiences

with the rescue squad, I also have quite a few books about emergency medicine.

Other books are Christian-oriented covering topics such as miracles, angels, and

the like. I also love reading romances. I pass along many of them after I read

them, but I keep my favorites. I also have many of the old classics, like Pride and

Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Tom Sawyer.

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.