Episódios
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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.
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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.
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Estão a faltar episódios?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina has a new case: find the mysterious Chickcharney, a mythical bird from the Caribbean, for her friend Monica who works in the snack bar.
Monica describes Chickcharney as a bird from the island of Andros in the Bahamas that has a "round face, a sharp beak, long legs, and a skinny, curly tail." The tail of a lizard.
Do Chickcharney's actually exist?
Click HERE to read more about Chickcharney 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 learn more about the book series 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
Monica - Tamika Katon-Donegal
Claudia - Linda Graves
John the Staffer - Steve Gamber
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On Thursday night, March 7th, members of Congress from the House and Senate will hear a speech from President Biden about the State of the Union. Our Founding Fathers thought the annual speech to Congress was so important, they put it in the Constitution.
But what IS the State of the Union address? And what's it like to be inside the U.S. Capitol, sitting in the House Gallery, above the lawmakers and Supreme Court Justices and the cabinet?
In this special bonus episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, we take you to the State of the Union address where a mysterious bird disrupts the speech.
Want to know more about the history of the State of the Union address? Sign up for our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter. That newsletter explores the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.We'll even send you a link to a FREE copy of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to State of the Union.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Kitty Felde is writer producer.
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 here.
You can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries at the website ChesapeakePress.org.
Cast:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Christine Avila - Abuelita
Steven Cuevas - Papa
Linda Graves - Claudia
Mark Bramhall - President of the United States
Ian Muchiri - Michael
DeeDee Chapell - stage manager at the rebuttal speech
Rosalie Huntington - Minority Leader
Wenzel Jones - Waiter
Music in the party is composed and performed 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.
State of the Union is book two in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. The Spanish version Estado de la Union will be released by Chesapeake Press this summer. The podcast and the books are designed to introduce civics education to elementary school students.
You can get an autographed copy of any of the Fina Mendoza books by clicking the link in the shownotes or check out the Chesapeake Press website chesapeakepress.org. that’s where you can also sign up for our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter. This week, it’s more information about the rebuttal speech. And when you sign up for the newsletter, you’ll also get a free download of the 56 page Teachers Guide to State of the Union.
I hope you’ll tune in to Wednesday’s SOtU speech and the rebuttals. You never know when a bird might just poop on somebody’s head.
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