Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza - (The Fina Mendoza Mysteries) 2nd Edition by Kitty Felde (Paperback)

About the Book

"Legend has it: anyone who sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill will be cursed with bad luck. 10-year-old Fina Mendoza 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. to live full time with Papa, a Congressman from California. Fina loves spending more time with Papa - even though he's always on the phone. But after Fina encounters a mysterious cat, disasters follow. Jars of spaghetti sauce explode. Her beloved Abuelita breaks her leg. And Fina's only friend in Washington, a congressional 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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

* * * * * *

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

Review Quotes

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

Weaves together the themes of mystery, change, family, and grief into a resolution that satisfies on all levels.
- BOOKLIST

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

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.
- FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN DAVID DREIER (R), former chair of the House Rules Committee

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 SÁNCHEZ (D)

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

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, librarian, Columbia Heights Educational Campus - 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, librarian, Tyler Elementary School - Washington DC

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)

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

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

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

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's 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

AWARD:
Readers' Favorite Silver Award

"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

"At a time where civics education is more important than ever comes along Kitty Felde's Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. It is a delight following Fina on her Capitol Hill adventures. 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 Podcast that accompanies the book for more fun." --Joe Rodriguez, 4th grade teacher in Los Angeles

"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)

"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 Great Wall of Lucy Wu

"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 Rules Committee

"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)

"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

"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 One Shadow on the Wall

About the Author

Award-winning public radio journalist, writer, and TEDx speaker Kitty Felde hosts the Book Club for Kids podcast, named by The Times of London as one of the top 10 kidcasts in the world. The Los Angeles native created the Washington bureau for Southern California Public Radio. She covered Capitol Hill for nearly a decade, explaining how government works to grownups. Now she explains it to kids in a series of mystery novels and podcasts called The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Kitty was named LA Radio Journalist of the Year three times by the LA Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. She fell in love with kidlit when she worked at her local public library.