W2WFM Book Description - 01/28/2025

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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

W2WFM Endorsements 2025
 

PRAISE FOR FINA MENDOZA

"A lively mystery with a touch of spookiness, an intriguing setting, an appealing family dynamic, and an enterprising Latina heroine."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Fina's lively first-person observations of Washington D.C., 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

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PRAISE FOR FINA MENDOZA FROM EDUCATORS & 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 D.C. will appreciate the references to life in the city and various D.C. 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 D.C.

"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 D.C. 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 D.C. 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 D.C.

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WHAT WASHINGTON IS SAYING ABOUT FINA:

"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 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)

"When I heard that there was to be a new book about the famous Demon Cat in the Capitol, I wondered what else could be said about this little legend – hasn’t everything of interest been wrung out of that silly story? But Kitty Felde's book, Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza, turned out to be 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

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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 D.C. 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 D.C. 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

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AWARDS:

Readers' Favorite Silver Award
Maxy Awards Runner-Up
NIEA Finalist
Booklife Prize Quarter Finalist

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BOOKLIFE: 9.50 out of 10

Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10  |  Originality: 10 out of 10  |  Prose: 9 out of 10  |  Character/Execution: 10 out of 10

"In this delightful, age-appropriate tale of overcoming challenges, the mystery of a demon cat and a wholly charming young protagonist will pull readers in. The prose is clear and smooth; the author has a knack for catchy descriptions and captures Fina's experiences in a relatable way. The subtle layering of family traditions, growing pains, loss, and mystery set in the heart of D.C. makes for a fun, absorbing, and original story. Portrayed in a way that will be relatable to young readers, Felde lets readers into Fina's mind and shows her fears, challenges, and growth in a compelling manner.

"The book is filled with other characters who light up the story and make it come to life. As if losing her mother and having to move across the country weren't bad enough, things get worse for Fina Mendoza when she has a mysterious encounter in the Capitol Crypt of the U.S. Capitol building. Was it really the famed Demon Cat of Capitol Hill? Young readers will enjoy solving the mystery along with Fina in Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza."

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NETGALLEY REVIEWS:

Yapha M. (Librarian) – Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"After school each day, Fina explores the Capitol building waiting for her father to finish work. When she has a strange encounter with what she is told is the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill, Fina is worried that it will bring bad luck to her and her family. And it certainly seems to! Her abuela breaks her leg, her sister's clothes are eaten by moths, and more! As Fina sets out to discover the true story about the Demon Cat, she also makes new friends and shares fun facts about the workings of Congress with the readers. This book has a little bit of everything and is a great start to a new series! Recommended for grades 3 & up."

Is your library likely to purchase this title? Yes
Will you recommend this title through Readers'Advisory, book clubs, events, etc? Yes
 

Linda R. (Book Trade Professional) – Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

"We read this book together with my 11-year-old son and loved it! Fina is a well-rounded, young, and curious female protagonist who while in Washington D.C. finds herself having to solve a mystery.

"My son really enjoyed following Fina around while learning a lot of historical facts and things about our U.S. government, and D.C., he didn't know about. Fina is a fun, adventurous, and relatable little girl that every 5 to 12 year old can identify with. You will be with her all the way!

"I highly recommend this book for parents who have middle grade readers, but above all I recommended it to elementary schools, bilingual school programs, and aftercare centers to have in their libraries, so that their children may see themselves reflected in this protagonist, or come to know a different kind of protagonist that we don't see enough of in books these days. Thoroughly enjoyable book! We hope there is a next one!"

Would you purchase this book for yourself, a colleague, or a friend? Yes
Will you recommend this book/author to your colleagues/audience? Yes
 

Becky R. (Educator) – Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is a fun book for kids. There is mystery, some heartache, family conflict, as well as learning about Capitol Hill.

Will you recommend that your students read or purchase this title? Yes
 

Julie M. (Former Educator) – Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"As a former elementary school teacher, I would certainly have had this book and the rest in the series in my classroom. There are lessons to be learned not only of history and government, but also of dealing with difficulty and conflict but also the changes and growth we must go through when things in life don't always go as we want them to go. Growing up is hard but Fina is handling it well."

Would you purchase this book for yourself or a friend? Yes
Will you recommend this book/author to your audience? Yes

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