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 Guides to The Fina Mendoza Mysteries by Kitty Felde. Just subscribe to our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter.

CONGRESS/U.S. Capitol

A Short History of the Immigration Fight That Built—and Still Divides—America

Government Shutdowns: a Short History

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