Saving Mount Rushmore
About the Book Saving Mount Rushmore
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.
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My Thoughts on Saving Mount Rushmore:
Saving Mount Rushmore is a fun middle-grade fiction with relatable characters and a bit of fun and mystery too. I read this book quickly. And then it went through so many of my children. It’s a fun read that gives you characters who draw you in and make you feel like you’re there.
And then it gives you a mission. The mission is simple. Save Mount Rushmore. But how to go about it might not be as simple.
John is normal. He’s always known he’s normal. And yet he gets accepted to the school for gifted students with extraordinary talents. John doesn’t have any special talents. How can he find out what his talent is? And then he finds out he was accepted by mistake so he doesn’t have a talent? Or does he?
This is a great read. Very appropriate for this age range though older kids will also enjoy it and younger kids, at least in our house, enjoyed listening to this as a read-aloud book.
We highly recommend this book in our house and hope you enjoy it too.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
About the Author of Saving Mount Rushmore
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?
The Book
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 that 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 for Saving Mount Rushmore
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 for Saving Mount Rushmore
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
Rita Wray
Sounds like a great read. I love the cover.
Erin S.
Covers are the windows to the souls of books.
Debbie P
This book sounds like a very good read.
Erin S.
It is an excellent read.
Emma
This sounds like one that my children would love!
Erin S.
I hope they get a chance to read it!
James Robert
Great hearing about your book. Thanks for sharing and for this giveaway also.
Erin S.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melissa Wenger
I think my kids would like this one!
Erin S.
I definitely liked it and my kids did too.
Bea LaRocca
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this story, it sounds like a wonderful book and series to share with my grandchildren.
Erin S.
I think that would be a great idea.
Caryl Kane
Wonderful review, Erin! Sounds like a fun series. Thank you for sharing.
Erin S.
Thanks for stopping by!