Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza
Book 1: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries
by Kitty Felde
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Pub Date Jul 03 2023 | Archive Date Aug 11 2023
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Description
A great book and series for CIVICS EDUCATION
A lively mystery with a touch of spookiness, an intriguing setting, an appealing family dynamic, and an enterprising Latina heroine. —KIRKUS REVIEWS
Fina Mendoza is the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S. Capitol with the help of a big orange dog named Senator Something.
* * * * * *
FINA'S FIRST CASE: Beware the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill!
TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, and HOMESCHOOLERS, The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books, podcasts, teacher's guides, and "Facts Behind the Fiction" blog/newsletter provide a multidisciplinary approach to civics education for elementary school readers. As our amateur detective solves mysteries on Capitol Hill, Fina learns about American democracy, the electoral process and legislative branch along with your students. Take them deeper into Common Core knowledge with standards-based instruction through the series' multimedia sources!
SYNOPSIS: Legends say if you see the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill, you're cursed with bad luck. Fina Mendoza, the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman from California, just saw it. And the last thing her family needs right now is more bad luck!
Fina and her older sister Gabby just moved to Washington, D.C. after the death of their mom to live with Papa. But then she comes face-to-whiskers with a mysterious cat in the Capitol Crypt. Is it the Demon Cat?
Disasters follow! Jars of spaghetti sauce explode. Fina's beloved grandmother Abuelita breaks her leg. And Fina's only friend in Washington, a big orange dog named Senator Something, becomes the next target.
The only way for Fina to save her family from future "cat"astrophe is to solve the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.
* * * * * *
This Readers' Favorite Award-winning novel is more than a mystery story!
It's THE WEST WING meets NANCY DREW.
Also available in Spanish! Look for Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde, translated by Jorge Flores González.
* * * * * *
FREE DOWNLOADABLE TEACHER'S GUIDE AVAILABLE:
– Build reading skills while teaching integrated lessons in:
- ELA, social studies, and history designed for grades 3-5 Common Core Standards
- NCSS curriculum standards, C3 Social Studies Readiness
- California Public Schools' History-Social Science content standards.
– Promote deeper learning through:
- active engagement
- reading comprehension
- content knowledge
- creative and analytical thinking
– Designed for elementary school teachers, librarians, parents, homeschoolers, scout leaders, and other community educators.
INTERACTIVE COMPONENTS & FREE MULTIMEDIA SOURCES:
- Helps address students' diverse learning needs.
- Supports the use of technology in the classroom.
- Dramatic podcast based on the books and current events.
- Facts Behind the Fiction blog and newsletter offer historical and civics context for the books and podcast.
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Introduce civics to your students with "The Fina Mendoza Mysteries" series!
THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES SERIES:
Book 1 – Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza
Book 2 – State of the Union: A Fina Mendoza Mystery
Book 3 – Snake in the Grass
Book 4 – Home of the Brave (coming Spring 2026)
Novella – Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th
Podcast – The Fina Mendoza Mysteries
ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH:
Libro 1 – Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza
Libro 2 – Estado de la Unión: Un Misterio de Fina Mendoza
Libro 3 – Serpiente en la Hierba (Otoño 2025)
Libro 4 – Casa de los Valientes (Otoño 2026)
* * * * * *
For fans of:
The Secret Lake
Greenglass House
The Mysterious Benedict Society
National Park Mystery Series
And classic books and detective series like:
The Westing Game
The Boxcar Children
Encyclopedia Brown
The Virginia Mysteries
Hardy Boys
A Note From the Publisher
Cover art: Juan Manuel Moreno; Spanish translation by Jorge Flores González
eBook: 9781735976716
hardback: 9781735976747
Spanish eBook: 9781737097846
Spanish paperback: 9781737097853
Spanish hardback: 9781737097860
eBook: 9781735976716
hardback: 9781735976747
Spanish eBook: 9781737097846
Spanish paperback: 9781737097853
Spanish hardback: 9781737097860
Advance Praise
Weaves together the themes of mystery, change, family, and grief into a resolution that satisfies on all levels.
– BOOKLIST
Fina Mendoza is the kind of bright, lively, curious, loving little girl you want for a best friend forever. The book is a marvelous introduction to the workings of government, and of a young lady of spunk and smarts.
– SUSAN STAMBERG, NPR
A fun read disguised as a book for grade schoolers, it gives keen insight into the everyday workings of the U. S. Capitol and its inhabitants.
– FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN DAVID DREIER (R), former chair of the House Rules Committee
A beautiful story told through the eyes of a gutsy Latina protagonist, it introduces children to the daily hum of life in our nation's capital. Told with unerring accuracy, my son and I recognized the perfect descriptions of the Capitol and Fina's rich cultural traditions.
– U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN LINDA SÁNCHEZ (D)
This patriotic and nonpartisan whodunit is both timely and welcome!
– GAIL CARSON LEVINE, author of Ella Enchanted
The perfect book for upper elementary - middle school students looking for an engaging text that delivers adventure and intrigue in the nation's capital.
– ANGELA FALKENBERG, librarian, Columbia Heights Educational Campus - Washington DC
As a public school teacher from Los Angeles, it is especially important to have my students get a glimpse into how politics work at both the local level and in DC. Kitty's book tackles themes of family, friendship and pre-adolescent life through the eyes of Fina Mendoza. It is both a mirror for my students with familiar experiences and a window to the life of a congressperson's daughter.
– JOE RODRIGUEZ, 4th grade teacher - Los Angeles
I also found the connection to Fina's detective work directly related to the research process! This is wonderful modeling for a research project.
– STEVE REICHLEN, librarian, Tyler Elementary School - Washington DC
This heartwarming story about life's obstacles, taking responsibility for your actions, and overcoming fears also serves as a tender reminder to children and adults alike, that even when parents seem busy, they are always paying attention.
– U.S. CONGRESSMAN DAVID G. VALADAO (R)
Embracing true Mexican traditions and family values, she captures a child's imagination from the viewpoint of Washington's multi-faceted world while providing insight into Los Angeles' culture. Great read. I could not put the book down.
– U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN GRACE NAPOLITANO (D)
Fina Mendoza is the kind of friend you want whether you walk on two legs or four, and Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is the kind of book you'll love to read!
– LEAH HENDERSON, author of Together We March: 25 Protest Movements that Marched into History
With an engaging combination of mystery and history, Fina Mendoza takes readers on an insider's tour of Capitol Hill while warding off the curse of the Demon Cat. You'll never look at DC the same way again.
– WENDY WAN-LONG SHANG, author of The Secret Battle Of Evan Pao
Funny, spooky, moving and simply delightful. Felde's insider look at D.C. through the eyes of Fina was a fascinating bonus.
– SHERRI L. SMITH, author of Flygirl
A well written book with a fun story and lovable characters. The voice was the most realistic girl's voice I have read. The combination of mystery, and comedy made this book amazing. It's not only a wonderful emotional story, but it also was a great view of both Washington DC life and the different role family plays in someone's political career… a wonderful read for anybody and deserves a rare five star rating from me.
– DAVID BERNSTEIN - Author Spotlight
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781735976723 |
| PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 210 |
Available on NetGalley
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