About the Book
Book: Saving Mount Rushmore
Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers
Genre: Middle grade fiction
Release Date: April 15, 2018
When John Jenkins’ parents ship him off to stay with his aunt, he’s certain it will be the worst summer ever—until he learns he’s been accepted into a top-secret school. St. Michael’s Academy is home to gifted students with extraordinary talents. Although John has no idea why he’s there, he’s assigned to Team Liberty, who assist authorities with solving low-level crimes. Their first mission: stop a trio of mischief-making teens from vandalizing Mount Rushmore. John battles feelings of inferiority as he and Team Liberty compete against Devlin Black and his cronies to track down clues and solve puzzles at Mount Rushmore. Along the way, John makes several key contributions, and his self-confidence grows. When he discovers he was admitted to the school due to a clerical error, he’s mortified. Now, he’s strictly an “observer” until the mission’s end. But when his teammates run into trouble, John must summon up the courage to save Mount Rushmore, and he learns an invaluable lesson: every person has special God-given gifts—including him.
I enjoyed this novel written for older children and I am Far from being a child, I am a 61 year old grandma.
I liked learning facts about Mount Rushmore that I didn’t know or had forgotten.
I think any reader that likes children that become heroes will enjoy this book. This book also reinforces that everyone can be used by God and everyone is special.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Andrea Jo Rodgers is the author of award-winning Christian middle grade fiction as well as inspirational adult nonfiction novels. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and specializes in women’s health, orthopedics, and lymphedema. She has served her community as a volunteer emergency medical technician for over thirty years, responding to more than 8,200 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and their two rescue dogs, a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund.
More from Andrea
Can John embrace his God-given gifts in time to save Mount Rushmore?
Have you ever admired the extraordinary talent of another person? Perhaps you enjoyed listening to someone belt out a spellbinding rendition of your favorite song at church or a concert. Or, maybe you have dreamed that you’d gain the same athletic prowess of a professional sports player.
The amazing gifts of others can take many forms. These gifts may be linked with intelligence, such as an aptitude for math and engineering. They may reflect the beauty of the arts through singing, dancing, or painting. Certain individuals may dazzle the people around them with incredible athletic talents, from gold-medal Olympians to professional baseball, football, and basketball players.
Most people consider extraordinary talents to be God-given gifts. They allow people to stand out and shine among others. However, do each of us need a breathtaking talent to be considered special?
In Saving Mount Rushmore, 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. I hope you celebrate our country’s heritage by joining John and Team Liberty in their adventures.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 18
For the Love of Literature, November 18
The Avid Reader, November 19
Texas Book-aholic, November 20
21st Century Keeper at Home, November 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21
For Him and My Family, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Older & Smarter?, November 23
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 23
Inklings and notions, November 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 25
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 25
Vicky Sluiter, November 26
deb’s Book Review, November 27
Simple Harvest Reads, November 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 28
Artistic Nobody, November 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Captive Dreams Window, November 29
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 1
Blossoms and Blessings, December 1
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of Saving Mount Rushmore: Saint Michael the Archangel Academy, Mission 1 as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/103a5/saving-mount-rushmore-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, it sounds like an excellent read for my grandchildren and I.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting; I think my grandson might like it.
ReplyDeleteGood morning and thank you for the book description and giveaway. I appreciate both of them.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear about a new book for middle school readers.
ReplyDelete