Chesapeake Press has just won the 2026 Spark Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for Excellence in Independent Publishing for Children. SCBWI says "the professionalism and quality of the writing and art is an exceptional example of independent publishing.”

Chesapeake Press has just won the 2026 Spark Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for Excellence in Independent Publishing for Children. SCBWI says "the professionalism and quality of the writing and art is an exceptional example of independent publishing.”

“Kids will not only learn about civic education in an engaging manner, but also find enjoyment in the learning process.” 

—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., with a clear blue sky, trees on both sides, and a few people walking on the pathway.

We publish civics engagement material: books and podcasts for kids about American democracy.

Happy Birthday America!

Celebrate with these red-white-and-blue brain teasers.

How much do you know about the building blocks of our American democracy? This engaging activity book encourages kids to test the adults in their lives on civics topics such as:

  • How many justices sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?

  • Who’s NOT buried in the Capitol Crypt?

  • What are the first three words of the Constitution?

  • What’s our national bird?

It’s been a long time since most adults learned about the three branches of government. This clever, informative, and FUN book gives kids the chance to prove that they’re smarter than their folks.

Are You Smarter Than Your Parents About...Civics? provides hours of educational entertainment and friendly competition. Author PJ Yeager turns dusty facts into a game show. With clever cartoons from illustrator Madeline Garcia, kids can pick up clues for the answers to every question. The book includes extra Fun Facts and a QR code link to research resources.

  • Packed with 101 trivia questions and answers about our Constitutional foundations

  • Lets your child be the smartest one in the room

  • Keeps kids off screens

  • Perfect for family game nights or road trips, carpool quizzes, and classroom contests.

  • Fun and educational: the perfect birthday or holiday gift

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PJ Yeager spent her early career auditioning for game shows, taking home runner-up prizes of floor tile and

a La-Z-Boy lounge chair. She worked for nearly a decade in public and college libraries, punctuated by stints at a melodrama theatre, and once played the rear end of a horse in a Toyota commercial. Her love for trivia is only matched by that of Ken Jennings.

Illustrations by Madeline Garcia

Cover design by fancreatives

Interior design by Kelly Wilson Samojlik

Distributed by IPG, Mackin, Follett, Ingram

paperback 9798989493494

e-book 9798999286406

Meet Fina Mendoza

The 10-year-old detective who solves mysteries inside the U.S. Capitol… and introduces civics to kids.

by veteran Capitol Hill journalist
Kitty Felde

Also available from:

Ingram, Follett, Brodart, Hoopla, Mackin, Amazon, B&N

covers of books in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries
Gold, purple, and yellow circular award badge with the words "Award Winning Author" and "International Latino Book Awards"
Gold, purple, and yellow badge with text stating "Award Winning Author" and "International Latino Book Awards."

Interview with Kitty Felde in Publishers Weekly.