Welcome to Facts Behind the Fiction
We like to think of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries books and podcast as a sneaky way to introduce civics to kids. But in an era of “fake news,” how do you know what’s true and what’s just a story? These short essays are designed to pick out the facts in each podcast episode.
We also offer a free Teacher’s Guide to Season One of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, based on the book Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde. Just subscribe to our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter.
CONGRESS/U.S. Capitol
The Capitol Crypt: The Scariest Room in the Capitol
Visit the Crypt in the U.S. Capitol: The National Mall Table
Which is More Powerful, the Senate or the House of Representatives: King of the Hill: Senate or House of Representatives?
In the House of Representatives: What’s a Whip
Congressional Committees: The House Ethics Committee
What Does Congress Do: Constituent Services
The State of the Union and: The Rebuttal Speech
Immigration Legislation: Gang of Eight
Immigration: Congress and Immigration Reform
The House of Representatives: The House Chaplain
Protests: Is it Legal for Families of Congress to Protest?
Congress: Who’s the Boss of Congress?
Congress: Congressional Work Week
Congress: Congressional Subpoenas
Capitol Hill: The Rayburn Garage
Congress: Is Everything Partisan in Congress?
Congress: Thanksgiving Recess
Congress: Quitting Congress
Sports: The Congressional Baseball Game
Art Contest: High School Art in the U.S. Capitol
THE PRESIDENT
Immigration: Ronald Reagan and Immigration Reform
The President: The State of the Union Address
Federal Holidays: Presidents’ Day
The President: Arresting Presidents
Presidential Hazards: Poop on the President
POLITICS
Voting: Poll Workers
Political Campaigns: Political Yard Signs
Political Campaign Finance: Fina and Campaign Finance
Political Campaigns: Campaign Fundraisers
Washington Protests: Protesting 101: a Short History of Protests Outside the U.S. Capitol
Voting: Let Kids Vote!
Political Life: I’ll Never Run for Political Office
THIS AND THAT
Superstitions: Lucky Charms
Myths: Chickcharney: the Bird with the Lizard Tail
Birds of Capitol Hill: Eagles Everywhere
Myths: Bird Myths
Journalism: News Cycle
Religion and Politics: The Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC: Battle of the DC Christmas Trees
Latino Traditions: Dia de los Muertos