Home of the Brave: a Fina Mendoza Mystery
Hogar de los Valientes: Un Misterio de Fina Mendoza - coming 12/26
“I wish I had Fina Mendoza on my staff in the White House!”
—SEAN O’BRIEN, former White House speechwriter & author of the White House Clubhouse series
"The West Wing" meets Nancy Drew!
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"The West Wing" meets Nancy Drew! 〰️
Home of the Brave: a Fina Mendoza Mystery
Author: Kitty Felde
Pub date: June 30, 2026
English, 1st Edition
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries Series, Book 4
Hardback
979-8-9992864-1-3
e-Book
979-8-9992864-2-0
LCCN
2025914770
Ages 7-12
210 pages
5.5 x 8.5 inches
Hogar de los Valientes: Un Misterio de Fina Mendoza
Author: Kitty Felde, Translator: Jorge Flores González
Pub date:
Spanish, 1st Edition
Los Misterios de Fina Mendoza, Libro 4
Hardback
979-8-9937373-0-0
Paperback
979-8-9937373-2-4
e-Book
979-8-9937373-1-7
LCCN
2025923196
Ages 7-12
210 pages
5.5 x 8.5 inches
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AUTOGRAPHED COPIES
Synopsis
The Mendoza family is back in Los Angeles where Papa is running for re-election to Congress. Santa Ana winds are blowing and someone started a brush fire in Fina's old neighborhood. The fire department blames illegal fireworks, but neighbors point the finger at the homeless man they call the Bear. Is 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza brave enough to find the real troublemaker?
This award-winning series provides an introduction to civics for elementary age children. Fina takes us:
behind the scenes at a political campaign
shows how the federal government works with city hall
explores issues of homelessness and housing mentally ill veterans
FREE TEACHER’S GUIDE!
Praise for Home of the Brave:
Awards for Fina Mendoza
A wonderful story very accurately portraying the life of a congressional family.
— Former Congressman John Campbell (R)
Fina Mendoza’s newest story about bravery, extending a helping hand, and the power of acceptance reminds her readers, children and adults alike, that even when life seems bleak, we are rarely alone.
— Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D)
I loved the courage and brilliance of the kids in Home of the Brave! This fast paced adventure about challenging assumptions and speaking truth to power will appeal to any young reader who cares about their world and wants to make a difference. I wish I had Fina Mendoza on my staff in the White House!
— SEAN O’BRIEN, former White House speechwriter and author of the White House Clubhouse series
Resourceful investigator Fina Mendoza is back in Los Angeles for the summer where new mysteries are wrapped around portraits of Fina’s big, loving family. Gentrification has reached Fina’s Montecito Heights neighborhood as well as homelessness. Felde deftly covers the realities of local politics and neighborhood activism as Fina’s adventures continue with long-distance advice from Senator Something (who’s really a dog). Felde blends an Angeleno’s sense of place with another well-told story that engages and informs.
— D. J. WALDIE, author of Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir
2026 Spark Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing for Children.
SCBWI says the professionalism and quality of the writing and art is an exceptional example of independent publishing.”
Praise for Fina from Educators and Librarians:
Praise for Fina from Educators and Librarians:
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, school librarian, 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, school librarian, Washington DC
What Washington is Saying About Fina:
Told with unerring accuracy, my son and I recognized the perfect descriptions of the Capitol Dome and Fina’s rich cultural traditions. Refreshing and unique, it is already a family favorite.
—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 of the House Rules Committee
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)
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, U.S. Capitol Historical Society
Free Teacher’s Guide Available!
Download your free copy of the supplemental curriculum for Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza!
Includes 32 pages of research projects, language arts, math, social studies, and social emotional learning discussions.
More Praise for Fina:
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
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
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 and The Great Wall of Lucy Wu
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
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 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
Check out The Fina Mendoza Mysteries Podcast!
Hear your favorite characters come to life in our award-winning episodic podcast with seasons based on The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books.
