by Dr. Flordeliza Linda Cadiz Marks
Ready to inspire informed citizens?
Transform abstract government concepts into memorable learning experiences that prepare students for active democratic participation with THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES series of books and podcasts, and their associated learning resources!
Ignite a passion for civics and critical thinking in your classroom!
This comprehensive educational resource is built around SNAKE IN THE GRASS: A FINA MENDOZA MYSTERY, a middle grade novel by award-winning public radio veteran Kitty Felde.
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… and introduces civics to kids!
Fina’s latest case: Everybody’s mad at everybody on Capitol Hill. Anybody who dares to work with someone in the other political party is punished. And now somebody’s putting snakes in lawmaker gym bags and trash cans. It’s up to Fina to find the real snake in the grass.
The high-stakes Capitol Hill setting—complete with political tensions and bipartisan challenges—creates authentic context for kids to learn about democratic foundations, government structure, the legislative process, and civic responsibility.
THE WEST WING meets NANCY DREW in your classroom!
THREE-PILLAR EDUCATIONAL APPROACH:Literacy Skills: K-W-L chart, story mapping, character analysis, figurative language, and critical thinking.
Civics Education: the three branches of government, how bills become laws, First Amendment rights, and separation of powers.
Social-Emotional Learning: optimism, empathy, flexibility, resilience, and persistence, and social justice.
COMPLETE IMPLEMENTATION PACKAGE:Detailed lesson plans and assessment tools
Graphic organizers and discussion prompts
Real historical connections (Congressional Baseball Game, January 6th)
Activities for contextual analysis and synthesis
PERFECT FOR:Grades 3-5 teachers seeking cross-curricular civics instruction
Homeschooling parents, community educators and librarians
Curriculum coordinators meeting literacy standards while building positive character traits in students.
EXPERT CREATOR:
Dr. Flordeliza Linda Cadiz Marks, brings proven expertise in educational leadership and literacy instruction. As a school librarian and curriculum coordinator, she helped transform a low-income school to rank seventh in Hawaii. Her philosophy: "Kindle student desire while empowering abilities."