Book 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries:
State of the Union
A mysterious bird poops on the head of the president during the State of the Union address. Can Fina Mendoza, the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, outsmart the Capitol police and the Secret Service to find that bird…and uncover its secret message?
Paperback: 978-1-7359767-9-2
Hardback: 978-1-7370978-1-5
Ebook: 978-1-7370978-0-8
Watch the video!
Writer Kitty Felde is interviewed by Jane Campbell, President of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
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“State of the Union is a heartwarming read, a gem of a book. ”
“Estado de la Unión (Los Misterios de Fina Mendoza) by Kitty Felde is a clever blend of mystery, civics, and cultural storytelling that hooked me right away! Fina, a bold Latina 10-year-old, takes readers on an adventure through the halls of the U.S. Capitol with her trusty dog, Senator Something, while weaving in topics like immigration reform and grief.
Fina’s determination to uncover the mystery of the Chickcharney bird also reflects her deeper desire for connection, hope, and maybe even a message from her late mother. She’s a character that feels real and relatable, especially for young readers navigating their own emotions and identities. It’s the perfect mix of mystery, heart, and important lessons. A book I’d recommend for classrooms and families alike!”
“Combines knowledge of the behind-the-scenes workings of Congress and Capitol Hill’s historic locales with suspense, humor, and a young, first-person Latina protagonist who is alive with realistic curiosity, empathy, and determination.
A lively, diverse mystery with enjoyable, informative plotting and a relatable young female protagonist.”
— Kirkus Reviews
What people are saying about State of the Union:
“Kitty Felde is teaching our children all about Capitol Hill in a way that grabs and keeps their interest. Personally, I can say she knows every nook and cranny of the place because she interviewed me in almost all of them.”
“The second title in the new and outstanding Fina Mendoza Mystery series by author and storyteller Kitty Felde, ‘State of the Union’ is an impressively original, exceptionally well written, thoroughly entertaining, and unreservedly recommended read for children ages 7-12.”
“State of the Union is a civics lesson disguised as a mystery for kids, a family story where Papa just happens to serve in the U.S. Congress. In an era of bitter partisan politics, it’s a sneaky way to excite the next generation about government and the possibility of public service. ”
“At a time where civics education is more important than ever comes along Kitty Felde’s Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. It is a delight following Fina on her Capitol Hill adventures.
As a public school teacher from Los Angeles It is especially important to have my students get a glimpse into how politics work at both the local level and in DC.
Kitty’s book tackles themes of family, friendship and pre-adolescent life through the eyes of Fina Mendoza. It is both a mirror for my students with familiar experiences and a window to the life of a congressperson’s daughter.
A welcome addition to our First Chapter Friday readings and our classroom library. Don’t forget to check out the podcast that accompanies the book for more fun. ”
“State of the Union has it all — a protagonist you will cheer for, warmth and humor, and a good mystery story underpinning it all. Readers will get an inside look at how their government works — Felde handles this beautifully, weaving her expertise in seamlessly. And so much more. ”
“Kitty Felde’s “State of the Union” is a wonderful read for those who love a good mystery and being kept on their toes!
A real page-turner, one will love following the inquisitive, determined, and adventure-seeking 10-year-old protagonist, Fina Mendoza, while learning about the inner workings of the government in our nation’s capital.
” State of the Union” is a perfect book for a read-aloud, book clubs, and to add to any library!””
profiled in Voyage LA
