Welcome to Facts Behind the Fiction

We like to think of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries books and podcast as a sneaky way to introduce civics to kids. But in an era of “fake news,” how do you know what’s true and what’s just a story? These short essays are designed to pick out the facts in each podcast episode.

We also offer a free Teacher’s Guide to Season One of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, based on the book Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde. Just subscribe to our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter.

Season 1 Episode 1: The Scariest Room in the Capitol

Season 1 Episode 2: King of the Hill: Senate or House of Representatives?

Season 1 Episode 3: What’s a Whip?

Season 1 Episode 4: The National Mall Table

Season 1 Episode 5: The House Ethics Committees

Season 1 Episode 6: Political Yard Signs

Season 1 Episode 7: Lucky Charms

Season 1 Episode 8: Constituent Services

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Season 2 Episode 1: Chickcharney: the Bird with the Lizard Tail

Season 2 Episode 2: Ronald Reagan and Immigration Reform

Season 2 Episode 3: Fina and Campaign Finance

Season 2 Episode 4: Poop on the President and The Rebuttal Speech

Season 2 Episode 5: Gang of Eight and Eagles Everywhere

Season 2 Episode 6: Bird Myths and Congress and Immigration Reform

Season 2 Episode 7: News Cycle

Season 2 Episode 8: The House Chaplain

Season 2 Episode 9: I’ll Never Run for Political Office

Season 2 Episode 10: The Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.

Season 2 Episode 11: High School Art in the U.S. Capitol

Season 2 Episode 12: Protesting 101: a Short History of Protests Outside the U.S. Capitol

Season 2 Episode 13: Is it Legal for Families of Congress to Protest?

Season 2 Episode 14: Who’s the Boss of Congress?

Season 2 Episode 15: Congressional Work Week

Season 2 Episode 16: Congressional Subpoenas

Season 2 Episode 17: The Rayburn Garage

Season 2 Episode 18: Campaign Fundraisers

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Reprise: The State of the Union Address

Bonus Episode: Battle of the DC Christmas Trees

Bonus Episode: Dia de los Muertos

Bonus Episode: Let Kids Vote!

Bonus Episode: Thanksgiving Recess

MORE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION:

Arresting Presidents

Quitting Congress

Poll Workers

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Poll Workers