Overview

"""A lively mystery with a touch of spookiness, an intriguing setting, an appealing family dynamic, and an enterprising Latina heroine."" – KIRKUS REVIEWS Legend has it: anyone who sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill will be cursed with bad luck. Ten-year-old Fina Mendoza 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 mother to live fulltime with Papa, a congressman from California. After Fina encounters a mysterious creature in the Capitol Crypt, a string of disasters follows. Jars of spaghetti sauce explode. Her beloved Abuelita breaks her leg. And Fina’ s only friend in Washington, a congressional dog named Senator Something, becomes the 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. Fina gives us a backstage peek at life inside the U.S. Capitol - voting in Congress, the fight over amendments, and the beloved congressional dogs who come to work every day with their political owners. An introduction to civics for elementary age children. The West Wing meets Nancy Drew."

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9781735976747

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Reviews

A lively mystery with a touch of spookiness, an intriguing setting, an appealing family dynamic, and an enterprising Latina heroine. - KIRKUS REVIEWS 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 SANCHEZ (D) Readers like me, old and young, will love learning about the customs and eccentricities in the halls of power that are interwoven into a moving comedy/drama of two sisters adjusting to the loss of their mother, of a congressman coping as a single parent, and of an abuelita protecting her grandchildren. And they'll laugh out loud at the antics of the goofy orange dog, Senator Something. This patriotic and nonpartisan whodunit is both timely and welcome! - GAIL CARSON LEVINE, author of Ella Enchanted Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is the perfect book for upper elementary - middle school students looking for an engaging text that delivers adventure and intrigue in the nation's capital. Readers from DC will appreciate the references to life in the city and various DC neighborhoods and landmarks. All readers will be able to relate to Fina's curiosity to know more about the mystery and history of the Capitol as she navigates adjusting to big life changes. - 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. A welcome addition to our First Chapter Friday readings and our classroom library. Don't forget to check out The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast that accompanies the book for more fun. - JOE RODRIGUEZ, 4th grade teacher - Los Angeles I love the fun and engaging book Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza! Kitty Felde has found a great way to use all parts of the narrative to teach students about civics, history, culture, mythology and math. I live and work in Washington, DC and have never heard of the Demon Cat myth. There are so many other pieces of information that she sneaks in that made me want to learn more and gave me ideas for how this book could be taught in a book club or classroom setting. I also found the connection to Fina's detective work directly related to the research process! I especially love how she looks at the bibliography from the back of the book the librarian gives her to find more resources. Then she learns how to look up old newspaper articles and eventually speaks to an expert (The Capitol Historian)! This is wonderful modeling for a research project. It inspired me to look into ways where students could consult with the Capitol Historian, archivist, or an expert at the Library of Congress as part of their research! Thanks for the great book and educational resources to use with it! - 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 delightful perspective on the familiar, turning a cross-cultural, bi-coastal mixture into a tasty bit of fluff as a children's book. - STEVE LIVENGOOD, chief guide, U.S. Capitol Historical Society Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde is 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 AWARD: Readers' Favorite Silver Award 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) 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 Sanchez (D)

A lively mystery with a touch of spookiness, an intriguing setting, an appealing family dynamic, and an enterprising Latina heroine. Kirkus Reviews 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. - U.S. Congressman David Dreier, former Chair 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 Sanchez 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 This patriotic and nonpartisan whodunit is both timely and welcome! - Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted 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 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

At a time where civics education is more important than ever comes along Kitty Felde's Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. It is a delight following Fina on her Capitol Hill adventures. 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. A welcome addition to our First Chapter Friday readings and our classroom library. Don't forget to check out the Podcast that accompanies the book for more fun. --Joe Rodriguez, 4th grade teacher in Los Angeles 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) 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 Great Wall of Lucy Wu 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 Sanchez (D) 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. --U.S. Congressman David Dreier (R) - former Chair Rules Committee 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 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 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 One Shadow on the Wall Fina's lively first-person observations of Washington, DC, are perceptive without being too precocious, and her relationships with her father and sister ring true. The characters are convincing and well rounded, especially Gabby, who takes big sisterhood to a mercurial level, and Michael, a soft-spoken and seriously overscheduled classmate. Felde's novel weaves together the themes of mystery, change, family, and grief into a resolution that satisfies on all levels. --Booklist Readers like me, old and young, will love learning about the customs and eccentricities in the halls of power that are interwoven into a moving comedy/drama of two sisters adjusting to the loss of their mother, of a congressman coping as a single parent, and of an abuelita protecting her grandchildren. And they'll laugh out loud at the antics of the goofy orange dog, Senator Something. This patriotic and nonpartisan whodunit is both timely and welcome! --Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted

Author Information

Award-winning public radio journalist, writer, and TEDx speaker Kitty Felde hosts the Book Club for Kids podcast, named by The Times of London as one of the top 10 kidcasts in the world. The Los Angeles native created the Washington bureau for Southern California Public Radio. She covered Capitol Hill for nearly a decade, explaining how government works to grownups. Now she explains it to kids in a series of mystery novels and podcasts called The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Kitty was named LA Radio Journalist of the Year three times by the LA Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. She fell in love with kidlit when she worked at her local public library.

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