What people are saying about Snake in the Grass:

“Snake in the Grass” isn't just a fun mystery full of endearing characters; it's also a great primer on how our government works (and how, maybe, it could work a little bit better). Kitty Felde weaves an entrancing story! — Stuart Gibbs, author of the Spy School series

Pairing the allure of Washington, DC, with an animal misadventure, Snake in the Grass is a robust series mystery novel. — Foreword Reviews

For decades, Kitty Felde explained Congress and government to grown-ups, and she has made a masterful turn to explaining it to kids in this fun and engaging series. Fina is smart, curious, and spunky with a child’s innate sense of right and wrong. Through her eyes, it is clear what is wrong with hyperpartisan politics and what we should celebrate about those who go to Washington to make a difference in people’s lives. I could have used a friend like Fina when I was in Congress. — Former Congresswoman Janice Hahn (D)

Author Kitty Felde’s writing captivates and keeps you guessing until the very last page, making this book an engaging read from start to finish. — Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R)

Fina’s adventures are invaluable in that they entertain while sparking a young reader’s interest in what is happening in the US Capitol. This kind of early exposure can lead to a lifelong interest in civic affairs. — Nancy Boyarsky, author of the Nicole Graves Mysteries

"Snake in the Grass" is a fun read from start to finish and will prove especially popular with young fans of mystery and detective themed 'whodunnit' stories. Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library Mystery/Suspense collections for children ages 7-12. — Midwest Book Review

This is a wonderful introduction to the functions of the U.S. government, and some complex topics, such as the January 6th insurrection, are discussed directly but with care. Fina’s character gains dimension from glimpses of her homelife, which reveal loving but sometimes-tense family dynamics. Young gumshoes will enjoy Fina’s adventure as she educates herself and brings adults to task. — Booklist

In Snake in the Grass (The Fina Mendoza Mysteries) by Kitty Felde, readers are taken inside the world of clever fourth-grader Fina Mendoza – a sharp, inquisitive girl trying to navigate life in Washington, D.C., as the daughter of a U.S. Congressman. When a harmless-looking snake slithers out of a congressional gym bag and bites a politician, Fina’s curiosity is piqued. She’s no stranger to mysteries on Capitol Hill and quickly senses there’s more to this slithery incident than meets the eye. Between navigating school, family life, and a dog named Senator Something, Fina launches another amateur investigation, unraveling a string of strange events, some funny, some suspicious, while growing her detective chops and deepening her understanding of the grown-up world around her.

Kitty Felde’s writing is full of warmth and humor, balancing political settings with childlike wonder and wit. The plot unfolds at a relaxed but engaging pace, allowing space for Fina’s personal reflections, quirky observations, and family interactions. The tone is layered but accessible. It mixes civics with everyday kid concerns like field trips, class pets, and sibling spats.

Fina is an empathetic protagonist whose voice feels authentic and smart without being precocious. Readers who enjoy mysteries with a light civic twist will be especially drawn to this series. Fans of Nancy Drew (for younger readers), The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, and From the MixedUp Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg will feel right at home. Snake in the Grass is a delightful mystery for curious young minds.

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