Podcast appearances and mentions of fina mendoza mysteries

This week, it's a graphic novel with evil twins, lost homework, and a giant snail. Oh, and a talking frog. The book is "101 Reasons Why I Lost My Homework Again: The Snotty Snail" by Ofir Lobel. Our readers are from Valley Beth Shalom Day School in Encino, California. Sportswriter Keith Thursby is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Favorite Books from Valley Beth Shalom Day School: A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snicket Harry Potter - JK Rowling Dragon Masters - Tracey West A Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson Ofir Lobel's Favorite Book Little Nicolas -Rene Goscinny and Jean-Jacques Sempe Keith Thursby's Favorite Book:  The Jim Murray Reader - Jim Murray & Vin Scully We'll have a list of everybody's favorite books at our website, www.bookclubforkids.org. And if you have a favorite book, you can be on the BookClub for Kids podcast, too. Just have your parent, teacher, or librarian send us an email at kitty@bookclubforkids.org and we'll send you all the information.   We have a free newsletter for teachers, parents, and librarians, full of free tips about how to turn kids into lifelong readers. You can sign up at our website: www.bookclubforkids.org.   This episode is made possible by a grant from the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan. I'm KF, thanks for listening.  And by the way, the makers of Book Club for Kids have created a very different podcast, a mystery about the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries on Capitol Hill…and teaches civics along the way. It's called The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and it's available now for free wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you like the series, check out the books the podcast is based on. Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union are available in both English and Spanish and book 3 Snake in the Grass – about how the bitter partisanship on Capitol Hill has led someone to put snakes in the gym bags and trash cans of members of Congress – comes out April 1, 2025. Get it here.

We end the year with a special episode from our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES. Fina 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. This episode takes place January 6th, 2021 and is designed to help adults talk to kids about the events of that day. It's based on the book LOSING IS DEMOCRATIC: HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT JANUARY 6TH and contains curriculum for use in the classroom or homeschool.  Here's a link to purchase an autographed copy of the book.

It's the fourth anniversary of an attack on the US Capitol by angry voters. Some are trying to downplay the event. This is a story told from the point of view of the 10-year-old daughter of a member of Congress who was on the House Floor that day. It's designed to help adults talk to children about January 6th. It's based on the Fina Mendoza Mysteries novella "Losing is Democratic" by Kitty Felde, available as an ebook or paperback. You can purchase an autographed copy here.

We continue our series of episodes highlighting banned books. This week, it's Elizabeth Acevedo's novel The Poet X. The novel in verse was challenged in 2020 by parents in North Carolina who argued that the book was unconstitutionally hostile to religion. The challenge was turned down by the courts. It was again challenged in 2023 in Wisconsin because of objections about frank language about  sex.  In both cases, the books were part of the high school's curriculum. The book is all about poetry and body image and standing up for yourself. It's the National Book Award winning novel The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington, DC discuss the novel with host Kitty Felde. Our celebrity reader is actress Monica Vigil from our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES.

It's that time of year: Halloween! This week, we tackle M.C. Ryder's tale of romance, betrayal, and creatures of the night The Darkest Side of the Moon. Journalist and actress Hettie Lynne Hurtes is our celebrity reader. Our readers are from Rosecrans Elementary School in Compton, California. Kitty Felde is host.  NOTE: There are some plot spoilers.   Favorite Books from Rosecrans Elementary School: Attack on Titan - Hajime Isayama  Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling Beyond the Story: 10-year Record of BTS - BTS, Myeongseok Kang    MC Ryder's Favorite Book: The Search - Iris Johansen   Hettie Lynne Hurtes' Favorite Book: Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte   The Fina Mendoza Mysteries

September is the perfect time of year to start a new habit. How about 15 minutes a day reading a book YOU want to read? Need some suggestions? Give a listen as we hear from kids as the City of Stem LA Maker Faire about the books they LOVE to read.  Projekt 1065 - Alan Gratz Little Women - Louisa May Alcott The Light in Hidden Places - Sharon Cameron Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney Princess in Black - Shannon Hale The Magic Factory - Morgan Rice This episode is made possible by a grant from the LA Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.  And if you're looking for a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, check out the Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. It tells the story of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves myseries inside the US Capitol...and introduces civics to kids. The podcast is based on the Fina Mendoza series of books in both English and Spanish.  Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th State of the Union Estado de la Unión  

On Wednesday 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.     

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.

Writer Claribel Ortega talks about why she loves writing fantasy. She also confesses that she's been writing about witches for a long time. Kitty Felde is host. And give a listen to our Dia de los Muertos episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. Here's a link to the free curriculum guide.

Are you a fantasy lover? Writer Claribel Ortega talks about why she loves to write fantasy - especially witches. Kitty Felde is host. And give a listen to our Dia de los Muertos episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. Here's a link to the free curriculum guide.

Do witches have cliques? What happens when you're an outcast? Would you be brave enough to hunt down monsters? Students at Brookland Middle School in Washington, DC discuss Claribel Ortega's novel Witchlings. Veteran journalist Stephanie Roberts is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde his host. Want to learn more about Dia de los Muertos? Listen to this special episode from our sister podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES. There is free curriculum for this episode. Favorite Books from Brookland Middle School: Judy B Jones series - Barbara Park Best Babysitters Ever - Caroline Cala Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle Claribel Ortega's Favorite Book: The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien Stephanie Roberts' Favorite Book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day -Judith Viorst 

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.

What makes a good mystery? We talk to writer Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance. Kitty Felde, who writes her own mystery series THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES is host.

Fina continues to investigate the history of cats in the U.S. Capitol. Papa returns to Washington for a family meal. But then catastrophe strikes. Can the Demon Cat be to blame? The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil - Gabby Raul Garza - Papa Mat Kaplan - House Historian Steve Gamber - John the Staffer Brian Bland - Capitol Tour Guide Rosalie Fox - Veterinarian Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something Our tour kids are Michael Beemer, India Scaglione, and Myca Scaglione   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. You can purchase an autographed copy of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza or the Spanish language version Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza from our friends at Village Well Books & Coffee by clicking HERE. You can find out more at the website chesapeakepress.org. Sign up for our FREE Facts Behind the Fiction blog with real information about the facts in the story HERE.

Fina and Gabby join Claudia at the National Zoo where Fina gathers clues. The Mendoza sisters also celebrate Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead. And Fina comes up with a plan. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby Linda Graves as Claudia Christine Avila as Abuelita And Steve DeVorkin as 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. You can purchase an autographed copy of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza or the Spanish language version Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza from our friends at Village Well Books & Coffee by clicking HERE. You can find out more at the website chesapeakepress.org.

Check out this episode from our friends at The Fina Mendoza Mysteries! The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book series by former public radio journalist Kitty Felde. She covered Capitol Hill for nearly a decade, explaining government to grownups. Now, she explains it to kids, through the eyes of a 10-year-old detective. Book one: WELCOME TO WASHINGTON FINA MENDOZA will be available in English and Spanish from Chesapeake Press wherever great books are sold, beginning July 3rd.

It's the return of Fina Mendoza! To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come. Fina and Gabby get ready for Halloween without Papa and Abuelita. Fina discovers some of the backstory of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde.  Our cast includes:  Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Monica Vigil - Gabby Christine Avila - Abuelita   Raul Garza – Papa  Elizabeth Logun - Librarian Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina   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. You can purchase an autographed copy of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza or the Spanish language version Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza from our friends at Village Well Books & Coffee by clicking HERE. Sign up for the Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter and get the free teacher's guide to Fina Mendoza at the website chesapeakepress.org.

Is a road trip in your summer plans? Looking for great podcasts for kids and grownups? Listen to our Summer Sampler of kidcasts from our fellow podcasters at Kids Listen. You may find your next favorite show...after Book Clubs for Kids and The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, of course.

Everybody in the pool! We discuss swimming lessons and look back at the days when people of color were barred from public pools. The book is Swim Team. Writer Johnnie Christmas says a personal experience inspired the graphic novel. Readers from the Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore talk about their own swimming journey. Our special celebrity reader is Olympic medal winning swimmer Natalie Hinds. Kitty Felde is host. You can get an autographed copy of Kitty Felde's first book in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books called Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by clicking here. It's available in English or Spanish.

It's the return of Fina Mendoza! To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come. Bad luck seems to haunt the Mendoza family. Fina is convinced that the mythical Demon Cat of Capitol Hill is to blame. Fina starts detecting and discovers an important clue. Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde Our cast includes:   Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Monica Vigil - Gabby  Raul Garza - Papa  Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood Linda Graves - Claudia  India Scaglione - Becka    William Beemer - Michael  Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood  Steve Gamber - John the Staffer  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. You can purchase an autographed copy of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza or the Spanish language version Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza from our friends at Village Well Books & Coffee by clicking HERE. Sign up for the Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter and get the free teacher's guide to Fina Mendoza at the website chesapeakepress.org.  

Ready to find your new favorite podcasts? It's a Summer Sampler time! Dorktales Storytime is a proud member of Kids Listen, a non-profit organization advocating for great children's podcasts. Because summer is a great time to try out new things, we thought you might enjoy trying out a selection of different Kids Listen member podcasts. This episode features small tastes of shows to pique your curiosity, stretch your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and help you find calm. Here is a list of featured podcasts for kids:Girl Tales: www.girltalespodcast.comBook Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.orgLike You: www.likeyoupodcast.comPower Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/Unspookable: www.soundsingtonmedia.comStoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/Peace Out: www.peaceoutpodcast.comWhat If World: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/Dorktales Storytime Podcast: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.comWe featured our story “Alice in Slumberland” sampler in this sampler. Find the full episode here: https://jonincharacter.com/alice-in-slumberland/ CREDITS: This episode was produced by Lynn Hickernell, Kids Listen board member, creator of the Good Words Podcast, and producer for What If World podcast. Audio transitions by Dan Saks of the Noodle Loaf Show. Learn more about Kids Listen: https://www.kidslisten.org/We're excited to share, Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World, by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng. It's a children's book about 12 unusual farms where people grow our food in ways that care for our planet. We know your young readers will love it! Published by Barefoot Books: https://miawenjen.com/food-for-the-future-sustainable-farms-around-the-world/Support the showREACH OUT! Tweet us @dorktalesstory Email us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime Newsletter/Free Resources: https://bit.ly/dorktalesplus-signup One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales Original Music Available on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music Now, go be the hero of your own story and we'll see you next once-upon-a-time!

Miss Lynn produced this year's Kids Listen Summer Sampler, featuring short bites of ten different Kids Listen member podcasts for kids!   Learn more about Kids Listen at https://www.kidslisten.org/   Featured in this episode: Girl Tales: www.girltalespodcast.com Book Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.org Like You: www.likeyoupodcast.com Power Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/ Unspookable: www.soundsingtonmedia.com Stoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/ Peace Out: www.peaceoutpodcast.com What If World: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/ Dorktales Storytime Podcast: http://dorktalesstorytime.com Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.com Kids Listen audio transitions by Dan Saks of www.noodleloafshow.com KL Summer Sampler 2023 produced by Lynn Hickernell of http://goodwordspodcast.com

IReady to find your new favourite podcasts? It's Summer Sampler time! Peace Out is a proud member of Kids Listen, a non-profit organization advocating for great children's podcasts. Beacause summer is a great time to try out new things, I thought you might enjoy trying out a selection of different Kids Listen member podcasts. This epsiod features small tastes of shows to pique your curiosity, stretch your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and help you find your calm.  Learn more about Kids Listen at https://www.kidslisten.org/   Girl Tales: http://www.girltalespodcast.com Book Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.org Like You: http://www.likeyoupodcast.com Power Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/ Unspookable: http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com Stoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/ Peace Out: http://www.peaceoutpodcast.com What If World: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/ Dorktales Storytime Podcast: http://dorktalesstorytime.com Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.com   Kids Listen audio transitions by Dan Saks of http://www.noodleloafshow.com KL Summer Sampler 2023 produced by Lynn Hickernell of http://goodwordspodcast.com   Thank you, Dan and Lynn! 

It's the return of Fina Mendoza! To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come. And as a special thank you to listeners of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Chesapeake Press is offering a 20% discount on the paperback. Just go to IPGBook.com and enter the promo code Fina2023 at checkout. Here's the link.

Did you know the people behind the Book Club for Kids podcast produce another podcast: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. The series is based on the book series by Kitty Felde, about the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S. Capitol...and introduces civics along the way. Book One in the series Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is being released in English and Spanish (Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza) by Chesapeake Press on July 3rd.  Listeners to the Book Club for Kids podcast can get a 20% discount on the paperback. Just go to IPGBook.com and enter the promo code Fina2023 at checkout. Here's the link.

Learn more about Kids Listen at https://www.kidslisten.org/Girl Tales: www.girltalespodcast.com Book Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.org Like You: www.likeyoupodcast.com Power Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/ Unspookable: www.soundsingtonmedia.com Stoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/ Peace Out: www.peaceoutpodcast.com What If World: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/ Dorktales Storytime Podcast: http://dorktalesstorytime.com Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.comKids Listen audio transitions by Dan Saks of www.noodleloafshow.com KL Summer Sampler 2023 produced by Lynn Hickernell of http://goodwordspodcast.com

Learn more about Kids Listen at https://www.kidslisten.org/Girl Tales: www.girltalespodcast.com Book Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.org Like You: www.likeyoupodcast.com Power Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/ Unspookable: www.soundsingtonmedia.com Stoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/ Peace Out: www.peaceoutpodcast.com What If World: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/ Dorktales Storytime Podcast: http://dorktalesstorytime.com Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.comKids Listen audio transitions by Dan Saks of www.noodleloafshow.com KL Summer Sampler 2023 produced by Lynn Hickernell of http://goodwordspodcast.com

It's the return of Fina Mendoza! To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come. And as a special thank you to listeners of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Chesapeake Press is offering a 20% discount on the paperback. Just go to IPGBook.com and enter the promo code Fina2023 at checkout. Here's the link.

It's the return of Fina Mendoza! To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come. And as a special thank you to listeners of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Chesapeake Press is offering a 20% discount on the paperback. Just go to IPGBook.com and enter the promo code Fina2023 at checkout. Here's the link.

On Tuesday night, February 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? Or the rebuttal speech? Check out our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. 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, 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  

How do you explain the events of January 6th to children? This special Fina Mendoza Mysteries episode is designed to help parents and teachers talk to young people about the attack on the U.S. Capitol two years ago and what larger lessons can be learned. FREE curriculum for this episode can be downloaded here. There is a NEW e-book version of Losing is Democratic available for 99 cents on Amazon. The episode takes place on January 6th, 2021, in a zoom classroom, meeting remotely because of the pandemic. Our 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza, a prize for the winner of a reading competition with the 4th grade? Fina and her classmates have parents who work in the U.S. Capitol and they learn of the attack during class. Their teacher, Miss Greenwood, helps them understand the events in a larger context. They discuss the electoral process, George Washington's decision not to run for a third term, traditional post-game high fives in baseball, and how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson found a way to reconciliation after a particularly nasty election. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on a series of novels by Kitty Felde, including Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union, published by Chesapeake Press and can be ordered at your local library, Amazon, or your favorite indie bookstore. KItty Felde covered Capitol Hill for public radio for nearly a decade. She used to explain how Congress works to grownups. Now, she explains it to children.  

Join me and author Kitty Felde as we discuss civic education and her mystery series, Fina Mendoza, which introduces civic education to elementary students.  Our lively conversation will leave you with plenty of ideas and inspiration about how to get kids interested and involved in learning and participating in civics and government.  You are going to love hearing Kitty's insights as she is a wealth of knowledge and energy, and her expertise on reporting from Capitol Hill is unmatched.Let's be Friends!Instagram: @teachinghistoryherwayTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/historyherwayOn the Web/Blog: http://www.teachinghistoryherway.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/teachinghistoryherwayWant to get in touch with Kitty or, better yet, have an author visit?Kitty's Website: http://www.kittyfelde.comPurchase State of the Union: https://amzn.to/3GEnrKLRead Kitty's Guide to teaching January 6th, Losing is Democratic:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkiRBmx7DsbMAIQsDyr0tNpf9MODJiUz/viewTwitter: https://twitter.com/kittyfeldeSupport production of the Teaching History Her Way Podcast by purchasing some really great history tees.  Click here to shop now or go to www.teachinghistoryherway.com and click on "Merch."

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. Find out more about the cast at the website. Find out the facts behind the fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.  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. 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.

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 State of the Union, published by Chesapeake Press is available wherever great books are sold. You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com. 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.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol. Join the Mendoza family as they celebrate not only Halloween, but also Dia de los Muertos.  Here's a link to curriculum for the episode. You'll find more eductional materials on our Facts Behind the Fiction blog at the website.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde. Our cast includes:  Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil - Monica Christine Avila - Abuelita Hannah Matzecki is our associate producer. Our music is by composer and musician Andrew Barkan. Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the books State of the Union and Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde. Don't forget to rate and review!

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 a new school year for Fina Mendoza, another year of distance learning. Her teacher assigns a Genius Project, letting students pick the topic they'd like to research and present to the class. Since it's an election year and Fina's congressman father is back in California campaigning for re-election, Fina decides to research voting. Specifically, letting kids younger than 18 cast a ballot. Real-life Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside, California zooms  with the class to answer questions about youth voting.  There is also a mystery to be solved: who broke into their classroom, ransacking the backpacks and rifling the teacher's desk. Fina consults with her detecting partner, a giant orange dog named Senator Something, and talks her sister into accompanying her on a field trip to see if her hunch about the culprit is correct. There is FREE curriculum for this episode. And if you want to know the history of lowering the voting age, check out our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are  written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby  Susan Valot appears as Ms. Greenwood India Scalione plays Becka Eddie Pike plays Michael and Myka Scalione plays Margaret Laura Stegman appears as Congresswoman Mitchell And Steve DeVorkin is Senator Something Hannah Matzecki is our associate producer. Our music is by composer and musician Andrew Barkan. Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the books State of the Union and Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza 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. It's a new school year for Fina Mendoza, another year of distance learning. Her teacher assigns a Genius Project, letting students pick the topic they'd like to research and present to the class. Since it's an election year and Fina's congressman father is back in California campaigning for re-election, Fina decides to research voting. Specifically, letting kids younger than 18 cast a ballot. Real-life Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside, California zooms  with the class to answer questions about youth voting.  There is also a mystery to be solved: who broke into their classroom, ransacking the backpacks and rifling the teacher's desk. Fina consults with her detecting partner, a giant orange dog named Senator Something, and talks her sister into accompanying her on a field trip to see if her hunch about the culprit is correct. There is FREE curriculum for this episode. And if you want to know the history of lowering the voting age, check out our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are  written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby  Susan Valot appears as Ms. Greenwood India Scalione plays Becka Eddie Pike plays Michael and Myka Scalione plays Margaret Laura Stegman appears as Congresswoman Mitchell And Steve DeVorkin is Senator Something Hannah Matzecki is our associate producer. Our music is by composer and musician Andrew Barkan. Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the books State of the Union and Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde.

Just in time for the November elections, we're re-releasing our special 2-part election episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's called "Let Kids Vote." The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol. Free curriculum for this episode.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol. Actor Steve DeVorkin channels our big orange dog Senator Something on the show. But this season, he also tackles another role: the House Chaplain Fr. Andrew. Find out more about the cast at the website. Find out the facts behind the fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.  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.  

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol. Actress Amy Solano plays Fina Mendoza. And here's a secret: she's not really a 10-year-old girl. Find out more about the cast at the website. Find out the facts behind the fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.  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.

Hi. This is Kitty Felde, writer and producer of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's the story of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries inside the US Capitol. This is Episode 4 in Season 2: State of the Union Speeches and other squawking. Fina has a new case: find the mysterious bird from the caribbean known as Chickcharney, a bird that might have a secret message. Fina and her grandmother have golden tickets to sit up in the House gallery during the State of the Union address and Fina's father, Congressman Arturo Mendoza, has been invited to give the spanish language rebuttal speech. Thank you for listening. Transcript can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13kQ3HpmesxzG0HO6sVEPqslr5Yfu5yiH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110604479173525900087&rtpof=true&sd=true https://www.finamendozamysteries.com Twitter: @finamysteries

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 real life, actress Monica Vigil is a brand new third grade teacher. On The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, she plays Fina Mendoza's older sister Gabby. Monica talks about her character in Season 2 and her real-life relationship with actress Amy Solano who plays Fina.  Find out more about the cast at the website. Find out the facts behind the fiction in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.  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 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.

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.

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.  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.

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. 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. 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.

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

Fina's grandmother takes her to a meeting where an immigration reform protest is being organized. Her grandmother may have taken a step too far in her activism. 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. Autographed copies available through the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also where you can find a free download of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter which includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also a sneaky way to introduce civics education to elementary school students.

Fina is on the hunt for Chickcharney in the basement of the U.S. Capitol, but the hunt leads to some serious consequences. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also where you can find 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. 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 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. 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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also where you can find a free download of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter which includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also a sneaky way to introduce civics education to elementary school students.

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. 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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also where you can find a free download of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter which includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also a sneaky way to introduce civics education to elementary school students.

As you probably know, we also produce another podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES, an audiodrama designed to introduce elementary school kids to civics. Fina is the 10-year old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries inside the US Capitol. After the attack on the Capitol on January 6th of last year, we saw the need to help parents and teachers talk to kids about what happened – without scaring them half to death, and to put the insurrection in some sort of historic context that kids could understand. We created a special episode with curriculum that can be used in the classroom. Now with the televised congressional hearings looking at the January 6th attack, we've again heard from parents looking for ways to have a conversation about January 6th with their kids. So this week, instead of talking about our favorite books, we're talking about democracy. There is FREE curriculum to accompany this episode.

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. 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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Get your free download of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter which includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's also a sneaky way to introduce civics education to elementary school students.  

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. 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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries and also where you can find 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 highlights the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. The podcast and the book are designed to introduce civics education to elementary school students.

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. 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. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. If you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries and also where you can find 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 highlights the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. This week, it's the history of the rebuttal speech. The podcast and the book are designed to introduce civics education to elementary school students.

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.  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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. Download the free 56-page Teacher's Guide to The Fina Mendoza Mysteries here. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries and also sign up for our "Facts Behind the Fiction" newsletter that highlights the real stories behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. This week, it's the story of eagles in the U.S. Capitol.

That 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. 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. 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your local public library to order a copy to add to their collection. And if you want an autographed copy of State of the Union, check out the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of the Fina Mendoza Mysteries and also where you can find 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 highlights the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. This week, it's the history of the rebuttal speech. The podcast and the book are designed to introduce civics education to elementary school students.  

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. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde. 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 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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your public library to add it to their collection. Autographed copies and a free 65 page Teacher's Guide to the series available at chesapeakepress.org. It's a great way to introduce civics to kids. More info about cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries at www.chesapeakepress.org.

It's season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and 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. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde. Cast: Fina - Amy Solano Papa - Steven Cuevas Monica - Tamika Katon-Donegal Claudia - Linda Graves John the Staffer - Steve Gamber  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 pick up a copy at your local bookstore or ask your public library to add it to their collection. Autographed copies and a free 65 page Teacher's Guide to the series available at chesapeakepress.org. It's a great way to introduce civics to kids. More info about cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries at www.chesapeakepress.org.

We celebrate National Poetry Month with the National Book Award winning novel The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington DC talk about poetry, MeToo, and favorite books with host Kitty Felde. Celebrity reader is Monica Vigil, who costars in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, which launches season 2 on May 3rd.

Hey! Somebody stole our plot!  Last week, social media went crazy over a bit of corn chaff that fell on President Biden's lapel. It looked like bird poop. Which is exactly what happens in Season Two of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. And in the book State of the Union: A Fina Mendoza Mystery by Kitty Felde. Give a listen to this sneak preview of "the morning after" scene. Season Two of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries launches May 3rd.

There are more animals on Capitol Hill than you might think. Last week, a fox bit more than half a dozen people outside the U.S. Capitol - including a U.S. Congressman.  On this week's sneak preview of Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, we learn about the Bald Eagle's relationship to Capitol Hill. There's a free 56-page Teacher's Guide to The Fina Mendoza Mysteries that you can download by signing up for our newsletter at www.finamendozamysteries.com. It's also available for purchase at Amazon. Season 2 begins on May 3rd.

You can't do a political show in Washington DC without a political pundit. We have two of them on State of the Union: Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. One of them is real: the host of Ken Rudin's Political Junkie, public radio's Ken Rudin. He's joined by actor Garrett M. Brown (Sisters) as his partner in punditry.  Ken and Garrett were asked to riff on the events at the State of the Union address. Their conversation becomes the background of one of Season 2's episodes. But we thought it would be fun to hear the entire conversation. As a sneak preview of Season 2, we're sharing their punditry. Season 2 launches on May 3.

We respond to Olivia Lily, who comments on The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast with a complaint about the way we treat cats. We also introduce you to yet ANOTHER dog in Season 2!

Season 2 begins in May, but we're having so much fun finishing up the show, we wanted to share some sneak previews of  State of the Union. Season 2 is based on book 2 in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books, called State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. Can't wait for the podcast to begin? Order a copy of the book at your local library or bookstore.

Something a little different this week. As we approach January 6th, parents and teachers may be looking for a way to discuss the attack on the U.S. Capitol with children. Our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES created this special 2-part episode to help open a discussion about the events, without scaring kids. In this episode, 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza? Her class discusses the attack with their teacher, putting it in a larger context about winning and losing. The episode includes a discussion about the electoral college, Washington's decision to not run for a third term, and how democracy is like baseball. Free curriculum at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

How do you explain the events of January 6th to children? This special 2-part episode is designed for teachers and parents to talk to young people about what happened and why and what larger lessons can be drawn from the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Free curriculum for this episode can be downloaded here. The episode takes place on January 6th, 2021, in a classroom meeting on zoom because of the pandemic. Our 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza, a prize for the winner of a reading competition with the 4th grade? Fina and her classmates have parents who work in the U.S. Capitol and they learn of the attack on that workplace during class. Their teacher, Miss Greenwood, helps them understand the events in a larger context. They discuss the electoral process, George Washington's decision not to run for a third term, high fives in baseball, and how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson found a way to reconciliation after a particularly nasty election. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on a series of novels by Kitty Felde, including Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union, published by Chesapeake Press and can be ordered at your local library, Amazon, or your favorite indie bookstore.  

How do you explain the events of January 6th to children? This special 2-part episode is designed for teachers and parents to talk to young people about what happened and why and what larger lessons can be drawn from the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Free curriculum for this episode can be downloaded here. The episode takes place on January 6th, 2021, in a classroom meeting on zoom because of the pandemic. Our 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza, a prize for the winner of a reading competition with the 4th grade? Fina and her classmates have parents who work in the U.S. Capitol and they learn of the attack on that workplace during class. Their teacher, Miss Greenwood, helps them understand the events in a larger context. They discuss the electoral process, George Washington's decision not to run for a third term, high fives in baseball, and how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson found a way to reconciliation after a particularly nasty election. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on a series of novels by Kitty Felde, including Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union, published by Chesapeake Press and can be ordered at your local library, Amazon, or your favorite indie bookstore.

Something a little different this week and next. As we approach  January 6th, parents and teachers may be looking for a way to discuss the attack on the U.S. Capitol with children. Our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES created this special 2-part episode to help open a discussion about the events, without scaring kids.  In this episode, 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza? Her class discusses the attack with their teacher, putting it in a larger context about winning and losing. The episode includes a discussion about the electoral college, Washington's decision to not run for a third term, and how democracy is like baseball. Free curriculum at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

Every family celebrates the holidays in their own special way. This year, we spend time with the Mendoza family during their first December in Washington, D.C. as they remember past celebrations and experience new traditions.  We are busy taping Season Two of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries State of the Union which premieres in early 2022.  The podcast series is based on a series of books by Kitty Felde in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union are both available from Chesapeake Press in hardback, paperback, and ebook wherever you buy your books (or borrow them from the library.) There is curriculum and free Teacher's Guides at the website.

To thank you this Thanksgiving week, we're reprising our Thanksgiving episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. Thank you for listening. Season two begins in late January.

Today and Tuesday are special days in the Catholic and Mexican calendar: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. As an added bonus episode of Book Club for Kids, we wanted to share this snippet from our other podcast The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's the story of a 10-year-old detective on Capitol Hill, but it's also a family story about coming to terms with the death of Fina's mother. In this mini-episode, Fina and her sister Gabby and grandmother Abuelita remember her on Dia de los Muertos. There is also free curriculum that accompanies this episode.

Get into the Back-to-School mindset with this special bonus episode.  Eight Kids Listen members have created a short offering around the theme of this year's return to school as a sampling for you and your family.  (duration - 18 minutes)  You can take a listen to their podcasts by using the links below (collaborators are in the order they appear in this episode) The Fina Mendoza Mysteries-www.chesapeakepress.org All Things Madison-www.ShopMadisonLauren.com Nature Narratives- www.NatureNarrativesPodcast.com At Your Level - www.AtYourLevelPod.com Journey with Story Best Whatever Ever - www.thebestwhateverever.com Stories for Wonderful Children -www.storiesforwonderfulchildren.com Book Club for Kids- www.bookclubforkids.com                  

Get in the ‘back to school' mindset and have a listen. Eight of us Kids Listen member podcasts created a short offering on the theme of this year's return to school as a sampling for you and your family. Collaborators in the order in which they appear in the episode: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries - www.chesapeakepress.org/finamendozapodcast All Things Madison - www.ShopMadisonLauren.com Nature Narratives - www.NatureNarrativesPodcast.com At Your Level - www.AtYourLevelPod.com Journey with Story - www.journeywithstory.com Best Whatever Ever - www.thebestwhateverever.com Stories for Wonderful Children - www.storiesforwonderfulchildren.com Book Club For Kids - www.bookclubforkids.org

Get in the ‘back to school' mindset and have a listen. Eight Kids Listen member podcasts created a short offering on the theme of this year's return to school as a sampling for you and your family. Collaborators in the order of appearance:The Fina Mendoza Mysteries - www.chesapeakepress.org/finamendozapodcastAll Things Madison - www.ShopMadisonLauren.comNature Narratives - www.NatureNarrativesPodcast.comAt Your Level - www.AtYourLevelPod.comJourney with Story - www.journeywithstory.comBest Whatever Ever - www.thebestwhateverever.comStories for Wonderful Children - www.storiesforwonderfulchildren.comBook Club For Kids - www.bookclubforkids.org

BONUS COLLABORATION EPISODE! Get in the ‘back to school' mindset and have a listen. Eight of us Kids Listen member podcasts created a short offering on the theme of this year's return to school as a sampling for you and your family. Collaborators in the order in which they appear in the episode:The Fina Mendoza Mysteries - www.chesapeakepress.org/finamendozapodcastAll Things Madison - www.ShopMadisonLauren.comNature Narratives - www.NatureNarrativesPodcast.comAt Your Level - www.AtYourLevelPod.comJourney with Story - www.journeywithstory.comBest Whatever Ever! - www.thebestwhateverever.comStories for Wonderful Children - www.storiesforwonderfulchildren.comBook Club For Kids - www.bookclubforkids.org

A story of sportsmanship, record breaking feats and the Spirit of Aloha! Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku is the father of modern surfing, known for catching big waves and globally popularizing the sport. But the Big Kahuna's legendary status went beyond his surfing talents -- he won six Olympic medals for swimming, acted in 30 films, served 13 terms as Honolulu's Sheriff and orchestrated a heroic ocean rescue that forever changed the lifeguard profession. Most importantly, “The Duke” taught us how to live with integrity, show respect for others and approach the world with open arms!Find more information and resources:  https://jonincharacter.com/duke-kahanamoku/ Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/FOLLOW US: If our storytelling brings you some joy…and a few laughs, please follow us in your preferred podcast app so future episodes will automatically show up in your podcast library. We'd be so grateful if you helped us grow, by letting others know about our geeky tales too.Now, go be the hero of your own story and we'll see you next once-upon-a-time!KIDS LISTEN MEMBERS: advocates for quality podcasts for kids: https://www.kidslisten.org/WE LOVE FEEDBACK: https://ratethispodcast.com/dorktalesBE PART OF OUR DORK SQUAD, FREE PERKS: https://bit.ly/dorktales-signupCREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today's story was written by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Studio Circle Recordings. OUR PODCAST FRIEND: We wanted to let you know about our pod friend “Fina Mendoza Mysteries.” It's "The West Wing" meets "Nancy Drew" - a podcast for little girls and political junkies. Check them out wherever you listen to podcasts and go to chesapeakepress.org/finamendozapodcast to find out more! Attention grown-ups! We want to hear from your kids! Have them ask Jonathan and Mr. Redge a question for a chance to hear a shout out and response on a future episode. Email us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com, call the Mr. Redge hotline at 650.503.9122 or go to our podcast contact page for more ways to get in touch!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales)

Get in the ‘back to school' mindset and have a listen. Eight of us Kids Listen member podcasts created a short offering on the theme of this year's return to school as a sampling for you and your family. Collaborators in the order in which they appear in the episode: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries - www.chesapeakepress.org/finamendozapodcast All Things Madison - www.ShopMadisonLauren.com Nature Narratives - www.NatureNarrativesPodcast.com At Your Level - www.AtYourLevelPod.com Journey with Story - www.journeywithstory.com Best Whatever Ever - www.thebestwhateverever.com Stories for Wonderful Children - www.storiesforwonderfulchildren.com Book Club For Kids - www.bookclubforkids.org

We know you're impatient for more Fina Mendoza Mysteries. We're working hard on Season Two, but we wanted to share a sneak preview of the coming season called State of the Union. It's based on The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of novels published by Chesapeake Press. Book 2 in the series State of the Union is available NOW at your local indie bookstore, Barnes & Noble or Amazon, or you can ask your local public library to order the book. FYI, Book 1 in the series Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is also available to read! And if you want an autographed bookplate and bookmark for the books, check out the website chesapeakepress.org.

This Sunday and Monday, the first and second of November, are the Mexican holiday known as Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. It's a celebration we include in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries as Fina and her older sister Gabby try to come to terms with moving across the country from California to Washington after the death of their mom. To honor all of our moms and other loved ones who are no longer with us on this earth, we're sharing this short scene from the podcast. By the way, we have a curriculum sheet for Dia de los Muertos at our website, finamendozamysteries.com. You can also get an autographed copy of the book that inspired the series: WELCOME TO WASHINGTON FINA MENDOZA.   

It's a new school year for Fina Mendoza, another year of distance learning. Her teacher assigns a Genius Project, letting students pick the topic they'd like to research and present to the class. Since it's an election year and Fina's congressman father is back in California campaigning for re-election, Fina decides to research voting. Specifically, letting kids younger than 18 cast a ballot. Real-life Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside, California zooms  with the class to answer questions about youth voting.  There is also a mystery to be solved: who broke into their classroom, ransacking the backpacks and rifling the teacher's desk. Fina consults with her detecting partner, a giant orange dog named Senator Something, and talks her sister into accompanying her on a field trip to see if her hunch about the culprit is correct. There is FREE curriculum for this episode at the website: finamendozamysteries.com. THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES is based on the award-winning book "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are  written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby  Susan Valot appears as Ms. Greenwood India Scalione plays Becka Eddie Pike plays Michael and Myka Scalione plays Margaret Laura Stegman appears as Congresswoman Mitchell And Steve DeVorkin is Senator Something Hannah Matzecki is our associate producer. Our music is by composer and musician Andrew Barkan. Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the book "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. You can get an autographed copy of the book at our website finamendozamysteries.com.  

It's a new school year for Fina Mendoza, another year of distance learning. Her teacher assigns a Genius Project, letting students pick the topic they'd like to research and present to the class. Since it's an election year and Fina's congressman father is back in California campaigning for re-election, Fina decides to research voting. Specifically, letting kids younger than 18 cast a ballot. Real-life Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside, California zooms  with the class to answer questions about youth voting.  There is also a mystery to be solved: who broke into their classroom, ransacking the backpacks and rifling the teacher's desk. Fina consults with her detecting partner, a giant orange dog named Senator Something, and talks her sister into accompanying her on a field trip to see if her hunch about the culprit is correct. There is FREE curriculum for this episode at the website: finamendozamysteries.com. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are  written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby  Susan Valot appears as Ms. Greenwood India Scalione plays Becka Eddie Pike plays Michael and Myka Scalione plays Margaret Laura Stegman appears as Congresswoman Mitchell And Steve DeVorkin is Senator Something Hannah Matzecki is our associate producer. Our music is by composer and musician Andrew Barkan. Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the book "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. You can get an autographed copy of the book at our website finamendozamysteries.com.  

A mysterious break-in, a congressional lobbying effort about voting, and a sneaky way to get kids excited about the upcoming election...without the nastiness of politics. In this special bonus episode of THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES, our young detective is attending classes via Zoom. She and her classmates take on a genius project, researching a recent amendment that would allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote. She and her classmates ask, "Why stop at 16? Why not let them vote?" They put the question to real-life Congressman Mark Takano (D-California) who approves of lowering the voting age to 16. Meanwhile, Fina has another mystery to solve: who keeps breaking into their vacant classroom and trashing it? She checks in with her detecting partner, a canine called Senator Something, and visits the scene of the crime. There is free curriculum related to the episode at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

We started this new thing where we get you, our awesome audience, to participate in our weekly podcasts by asking you to send your answers to our questions. Last week, we asked how COVID-19 has been impacting your podcast, and everyone really showed up with your answers!  This week, we asked you to answer this: What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started your podcast? Here's how our listeners answered this week's question:  James Sabata of The Necronomi.com podcast wishes he had known that practice makes perfect. Your first episode isn't going to be your magnum opus, and that's okay! Every episode will teach you something new and help you to build a better show. In the beginning, James was really neurotic about making it perfect, and that took a lot of the fun out of it. James wishes he had known it would get better so he could just have enjoyed the process. When you enjoy creating your show, everyone else will enjoy listening to it.  For Kitty Felde of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, its knowledge of the LAX takeoff schedule that she wishes she had had. Kitty never thought much about the airport takeoff schedule before starting The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, but once she was outside with a microphone, every single plane made itself known. Next time, Kitty says she would call LAX to make sure she doesn't waste precious recording time waiting for planes to land.  Emily Harman from Onward Podcast wishes she had known that every podcaster feels a little scared and insecure. The key to success is just doing it despite the fear.  Hannah from The Psykhe Podcast wishes she had known how much fun connecting with people all around the world would be when she first got started podcasting. If she had known, she might have been less reluctant to start her podcast in the first place, and more excited to begin making the connections to her future audience and fellow podcasters.  For Phillip Wilkerson of the Positive Philter podcast, planning ahead would have made his podcast journey a whole lot easier. In the beginning, Phillip planned episodes one at a time but wishes he had known to plan at least 10 episodes in advance to avoid getting caught up in the stress of life. Scheduling helps Phillip stay on top of editing and avoid feeling rushed to get an episode out.  Scott Wyden Kivowitz from The WordPress Photography Podcast wishes he had known about Headliner from the very beginning! Headliner has saved Scott a ton of time, and he no longer has to fiddle around with Final Cut Pro.  Kolby Castilloof Sports as a Job wishes he had known just how rewarding podcasting would be. If Colby had known what kind of influence he could have, he would never have hesitated and jumped into podcasting right away.  If you ask Matt Pollard of Holding The High Line with Rabbi and Red what he wishes he had known before he got started podcasting, he'll say: Sound quality and post-recording editing are super important. Matt spent several years self-teaching himself the necessary editing skills to make his audio sound good. Matt wishes he had learned some more of the ins and outs of audio before he got started and recommends you learn from this and take some time to get editing skills early on.  Juan Kingsbury from Career Blindspot reminds us that sometimes even the basics are complex by wishing that he had known exactly what kind of podcast he actually wanted to created. As a big fan of podcasts, Juan had tons of inspiration but had a hard time picking one lane. His advice: pick a setup you are likely to use again and again.  Janyl Jusupjan of Chaï Latte & Salt, Untold Stories of Central Asia wishes she had known how difficult it would be to create a podcast in English as a non-native English speaker. By the way, if you want to participate in next week's podcast, be sure to sign up for the Headliner newsletter here! Our weekly newsletter always features that week's question and instructions for submitting your answers.

Journalist Susan Valot interviews writer/producer Kitty Felde about the creative choices behind THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES.  The podcast is based on the award winning book "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. More information at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

We asked the cast of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast to tell us a little more about their characters. The podcast is based on the award-winning book "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. More information at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

The Mendoza family heads to Los Angeles to celebrate Thanksgiving. Fina worries that the curse of the Demon Cat will follow them to California.  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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza.”  You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

Fina continues to investigate the history of cats in the U.S. Capitol. Papa returns to Washington for a family meal. But then catastrophe strikes. Can the Demon Cat be to blame? The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil - Gabby Raul Garza - Papa Mat Kaplan - House Historian Steve Gamber - John the Staffer Brian Bland - Capitol Tour Guide Rosalie Fox - Veterinarian Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something Our tour kids are Michael Beemer, India Scaglione, and Myca Scaglione   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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza.”  You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com  

Fina and Gabby join Claudia at the National Zoo where Fina gathers clues. The Mendoza sisters also celebrate Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead. And Fina comes up with a plan. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde Our cast includes: Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil as Gabby Linda Graves as Claudia Christine Avila as Abuelita And Steve DeVorkin as 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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza.”  You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

Fina and Gabby get ready for Halloween without Papa and Abuelita. Fina discovers some of the backstory of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde.  Our cast includes:  Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Monica Vigil - Gabby Christine Avila - Abuelita   Raul Garza – Papa  Elizabeth Logun - Librarian Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina   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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza.”  You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

Bad luck seems to haunt the Mendoza family. Fina is convinced that the mythical Demon Cat of Capitol Hill is to blame. Fina starts detecting and discovers an important clue. Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde Our cast includes:   Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Monica Vigil - Gabby  Raul Garza - Papa  Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood Linda Graves - Claudia  India Scaglione - Becka    William Beemer - Michael  Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood  Steve Gamber - John the Staffer  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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde. You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

Fina meets a new friend and gets a new job and a new identity: lady detective.  Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde Our cast includes:  Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Monica Vigil - Gabby  Raul Garza - Papa  Linda Graves - Claudia  India Scaglione - Becka    William Beemer - Michael  Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood  Steve Gamber - John the Staffer  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 “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza” by Kitty Felde. You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

Meet Fina Mendoza. She spends her after school hours in the U.S. Capitol where her father is a congressman. While hunting down a lost sweatshirt in the Capitol Crypt, Fina stumbles over a mysterious creature. Is it the ghost of George Washington? Or perhaps the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill?  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde.  Our cast includes:  Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza  Raul Garza – Papa  Christine Avila - Abuelita  Linda Graves - Claudia  Melanie MacQueen - Capitol Policewoman  Wenzel Jones - Statue of Caesar Rodney Elizabeth Logun - Demon Cat  Members of Congress - Alan Canterbury, Stephanie Zielonka, Joanie Anglin, and Tad Daley  Associate Producer - Hannah Matzecki  Associate Sound Designer - Hunter Felde  Music Composed and Performed - Andrew Barkan  Logo Designer - Imelda Hinojosa        Special thanks this week to Matt Lazlo and his interns Ben Morse and Eva Hofman. And thanks to Village Green.  The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the award-winning book “Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza.”  You can find out more at our website finamendozamysteries.com

There's a legend in Washington, D.C. Anyone who sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill will be cursed. Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, just saw it. Can she save her family from “cat”astrophe? These are the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Season One is based on the award-winning book "Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza" by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. There is a 32 page Teacher's Guide to the book and podcast at Amazon. www.finamendozamysteries.com