Folgen

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

    It's Christmas in Washington, a time to remember family traditions and Capitol Hill traditions. Fina and her sister get a very special opportunity to light the Capitol Christmas Tree. Find out more about the cast at the website.

    The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the books Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeakepress.org.

    Want the Facts Behind the Fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries? Sign up for our free newsletter. This month, it's the facts behind the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

    Coming in December: Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th in paperback.

  • We celebrate Thanksgiving with Fina and the Mendoza family as they leave Washington to visit relatives in Los Angeles. Fina worries that the curse of the Demon Cat will follow them to California.

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

    Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Monica Vigil - Gabby

    Raul Garza - Papa

    Christine Avila - Abuelita

    Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina

    Rachel Desztich - Tia Margarita

    Brian Bland - Veteran

    Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something

    Associate Producer - Hannah Matzecki

    Associate Sound Designer - Hunter Felde

    Music Composed and Performed - Andrew Barkan

    Logo Designer - Imelda Hinojosa

    The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the award-winning book series. The latest title Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press is available wherever great books are sold. It's the Spanish language version of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza.

    Get your copy now!

    You can find out more at our website.

    Find out in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.

    Want to know the facts behind the fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries? Sign up for our newsletter.

  • Fehlende Folgen?

    Hier klicken, um den Feed zu aktualisieren.

  • The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol...and teaching civics along the way.

    Join the Mendoza family as they celebrate not only Halloween, but also Dia de los Muertos.

    Here's a link to the FREE curriculum for this episode.

    You'll find more eductional materials on our Facts Behind the Fiction blog at the website.

    The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the novels WELCOME TO WASHINGTON FINA MENDOZA and STATE OF THE UNION, written by Kitty Felde.

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

    In Episode 18, all of Washington is talking about the capture of the Burrowing Owl that pooped on the president during the State of the Union address. But not about Fina. Papa's political fundraiser with LA food trucks seems to be a huge success. And Fina gets a very special letter.

    Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we highlight some of the more creative political fundraising events over the years.

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

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Monica Vigil - Gabby

    Christine Avila - Abuelita

    Steven Cuevas - Congressman Arturo Mendoza

    Tamika Katon Donegal - Monica

    Waiter - Wenzel Jones

    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. Autographed copies of State of the Union are available for purchase 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.

    Get your AUTOGRAPHED copy of State of the Union HERE

    And look for the Spanish version: Estado de la Unión.

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

    In Episode 17, Fina and her loyal canine companion Senator Something track down Chickcharney in one of the U.S. Capitol's parking garages. But will Fina learn the bird's secret message?

    Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we explain what's up with the construction in the Rayburn Garage.

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

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Monica Vigil - Gabby

    Christine Avila - Abuelita

    Steven Cuevas - Congressman Arturo Mendoza

    Tamika Katon Donegal - Monica

    Construction Worker - Daniel Leslie

    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.

    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 mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.

    In Episode 16, Fina's investigation takes her to the National Zoo where she finds out more about the Burrowing Owls. But Fina's client Monica suffers a major setback.

    Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we explain Congressional Subpeonas.

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

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Steven Cuevas - Congressman Arturo Mendoza

    Linda Graves - Claudia

    Elizabeth Logun - Bird Lady

    Tamika Katon Donegal - Monica

    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.

    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 uses her detecting skills to help her father find her grandmother who has run away from home. Their search takes them to a church basement kitchen.

    Want to know more about the Facts Behind the Fiction? This week, our blog takes a look at a Congressional Work Week. How much does Congress really work?

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Steven Cuevas - Papa

    Christina Avila - Abuelita

    Monica Vigil - Gabby

    Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina

    Steve Devorkin - Father Andrew

    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 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!

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

    A mysterious bird poops on the president's head during the State of the Union address and Fina and her grandmother are up in the House Gallery, watching when it happens. Papa gives the State of the Union rebuttal speech about immigration reform. The House Minority Leader gives a party. Kitty Felde is writer producer.

    In Episode 4, after the President delivers his State of the Union speech to Congress, Papa delivers the rebuttal in Spanish.

    What is the rebuttal speech?

    Click HERE to read more about the evolution of the State of the Union rebuttal speech 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.

    Cast:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Christine Avila - Abuelita

    Steven Cuevas - Papa

    Linda Graves - Claudia

    Mark Bramhall - President of the United States

    Rosalie Huntington - Minority Leader

    Ian Kunithia -Michael

    Wenzel Jones - Waiter

    DeeDee Chapelle - Stage Manager

    Music in the party scene composed and perfomed by Kevin Pike.

    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 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 decides to take the case of the mysterious Chickcharney... maybe it has a secret message for her!

    In Episode 3, Papa proposes an idea for a fundraiser for his re-election campaign. “It takes a lot of money to run for Congress,” he says.

    How much does it cost to run for 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.

    Our cast includes:

    Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

    Tamika Katon-Donegal - Monica

    Steven Cuevas - Papa

    Monica Vigil - Gabby

    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 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!

  • 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 finally arrives in Washington, but she seems more excited about seeing a statue of her hero: Ronald Reagan. Meanwhile, Fina enlists the talents of her detecting partner, a big orange dog named Senator Something.

    Abuelita wants is a picture with that statue of Ronald Reagan. He was the president who signed into law IRCA, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 - the last time Congress passed major immigration reform. “It’s because of him that I became an American citizen and your father became a congressman,” she says.

    What is IRCA?

    Click HERE to read more about the 1986 immigration reform bill in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

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

    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 find out more about 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.

    Cast:

    Fina - Amy Solano

    Papa - Steven Cuevas

    Gabby - Monica Vigil

    Abuelita - Christine Avila

    Driver - Paul Cummings

    Becka - India Scalione

    Michael - Ian Kinuthia

    Congresswoman Mitchell - Laura Stegman

    John the Staffer - Steve Gamber

    Senator Something - Steve DeVorkin