The Fina Mendoza Mysteries

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina discovers some important clues about the mysterious bird that pooped on the president. Her teacher helps her solve some difficult math problems. And Fina tries to solve the mysteries of dogs.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde.

In Episode 14, Congressman Arturo Mendoza scolds his mother for participating in an immigration protest at the U.S. Capitol - and then going on TV to talk about it. This at a time when he has been appointed to a bipartisan group negotiating immigration reform legislation. He also refers to the Minority Leader as his “boss.”

Who is the boss in Congress? Read more about leadership in Congress in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. the book is also available in Spanish as Estado de la Unión. You can get an autographed copy of either book at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Our cast includes:

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood

India Scalione - Becka

Ian Muchuri - Michael

Mark Muchuri - Brian

Myka Scalione - Margaret

Leo Schodorf - Mason

Isla Schodorf - Cara

Laura Stegman - Congresswoman Mitchell

Elizabeth Logun - St. Sebastian

Steve DeVorkin - Father Andrew and Senator Something.

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina's father and grandmother have an enormous fight with serious consequences. And there's nothing Fina can do about it.

In Episode 13, Congressman Arturo Mendoza scolds his mother for participating in an immigration protest at the U.S. Capitol - and then going on TV to talk about it.

Is it illegal for the relative of a member of Congress to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol?

Click HERE to read about the rules about relatives in Congress in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org.

Sign up for our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter with civics information for every episode. 

That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Our cast includes:

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina

Steven Cuevas - Papa

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. 

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina's grandmother takes her to a meeting where an immigration reform protest is being organized. Abuelita's activism results in a major dispute with her son, Congressman Arturo Mendoza after she's nearly arrested outside the U.S. Capitol.

Protests outside the U.S. Capitol are nothing new. 

Click HERE to read about the history of protests outside the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Cast:

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Adolfo Guzman Lopez - Flip

Claudi Peschuita - Vicki

Bill Chappelle - Protest Coach

Alexandra Bank - TV Reporter

Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew and Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina is on the hunt for Chickcharney in the basement of the U.S. Capitol, but the hunt leads to some serious consequences.

In Episode 11 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Fina is  wandering around the tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol with the House office buildings and says:

“That’s funny. I never noticed that before. One side of the Cannon tunnel has all that high school art. They’re not very good. Oh, that one is! But on the other wall, there’s nothing but giant pipes, all painted white. I guess nobody notices the ugly wall because you’re too busy looking at the paintings.”

Click HERE to read about how a high school artist can have their work displayed inside the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde.

Our cast includes:

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Tamika Katanon-Donegal - Monica

Melanie Macqueen - the policewoman

Gordon brooks and Joanie Anglin - staffers

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter.

That newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. This week, it’s the Congressional Art Competition and we’ll tell you how your high schooler can have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

The Mendoza family finally find a church that feels like home. And Abuelita finds a new community of activists. And Gabby gets her phone back.

Meanwhile, Fina is not happy with her new detecting partner St. Sebastian. He's a bird dog and easily distracted. But Fina has a breakthrough in her investigation of the bird that pooped on the head of the President.

In Episode 10 of Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Abuelita insisted that the family attend mass at a new church. 

Is that church real? What's the history of the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.? 

Read all about Catholics in Washington HERE in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Our cast includes:

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Steven Cuevas - Papa

Linda Graves - Claudia

Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. The song “All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen is used by permission of GIA Publications. Our church choir was led by Rosalie Huntington and Julie Pritikin. And special thanks to Katherine LaVictoire for her clarinet contribution.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.”

And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold.

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina enlists the help of an expert as she continues the search for the bird that pooped on the President: a bird dog. Meanwhile, Gabby's in the doghouse for posting selfies on Instagram.

In episode 9 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina and her family spot a familiar face at Sunday mass: the House Chaplain.

Who's the House Chaplain? How Long have we had one?

Click HERE to read more about the House Chaplain in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Steven Cuevas - Papa

Elizabeth Logun - St. Sebastian

Mindy Shaw - the zoo intern

Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew and Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.”

And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold.

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

All of Washington is shut down for the storm of the century. Meanwhile, Californians Fina and her sister Gabby learn the joys...and the downsides of snow.

In Episode 8 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina asks:

Is there anything in the paper about the bird that pooped on the president, Papa?

PAPA: Not a word. The news cycle has moved on.

What's a news cycle?

Click HERE to read more about the News Cycle in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Steven Cuevas - Papa

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Laura Segal - Congresswoman Mitchell

Mindy Shaw - the voice on the zoo recording

Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood

India Scalione - Becka

Ian Muchiri - Michael

Mark Muchiri - Brian, Mica Scalione - Margaret

Leo Schodorf - Mason

Isla Schodorf - Cara

Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. And special thanks to Katherine LaVictoire for her clarinet contribution and Steven Leigh Morris for the sounds of snow.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.” Get your copy now!

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina continues her investigation into finding the bird that pooped on the President. And she gets a new client: the dog that belongs to the House Chaplain. Meanwhile, Washington DC and the Mendoza family prepare for a blizzard.

In Episode 7, Fina’s sister Gabby suggests that she do some bird research at the website of the Audubon Society. Fina stumbles upon an article that says if a bird poops on your head, it's supposed to be good luck.

What are some common bird myths?

Click HERE to read more about bird myths in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Steven Cuevas - Congressman Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Elizabeth Logun - St. Sebastian

Alexandra Bank - Mary Louise Guffey

Tad Daley - the anchor

Bill Case - Memphis the weatherman

Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew and Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. Special thanks to musician Anny Celci for sharing Little Black Dress with us and Kevin Pike for sharing his  news theme composition.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union, called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.” 

And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold.

 

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

Fina is still on the hunt for the bird that pooped on the President.

Fina's father was just named to a bipartisan group of lawmakers to come up with an immigration bill. Unfortunately, Senator Something wasn't invited, but he manages to disrupt the press conference announcing the group. Meanwhile, Fina's older sister Gabby is fighting with their grandmother over a dance and a dress code.

What's the latest on immigration reform in Congress?

Click HERE to read more about the House Chaplain in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Steven Cuevas - Congressman Mendoza

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Ellie Song - Congresswoman Woo

Claudia Peschiutta - Vicki

Linda Graves - Claudia

Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something.

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union, called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.” 

And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold.

 

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

All of Washington is on the hunt for the bird that pooped on the President - including Fina Mendoza. Social media is having a field day. There's even a hashtag: PoopOnPOTUS. 

In episode 5 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, everyone assumes the bird that pooped on the President is an eagle. Fina’s 4th grade class is even assigned a homework project: find all the eagles in Washington, DC.

Where are all the eagles in Washington?

Click HERE to read more about the eagles in the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher’s Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Steven Cuevas - Congressman Mendoza

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Tamika Katon-Donegal - Monica

Linda Graves - Claudia

Ken Rudin and Garrett Brown - the political pundits

Kevin Carr - Eagle Burger commercial announcer

Susan Valot Ms. Greenwood

Ian Kunithia - Michael

India Scalione - Becka

Mica Scalione - Margaret

Leo Schodorf - Mason

Isla Schodorf - Cara

Elizabeth Logun - Chickcharney

Gordon Brooks - the policeman on the walkie talkie

Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.” Get your copy now!