Facts Behind the Fiction

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are fiction, but there are LOTS of facts about Congress, the US Capitol, and civics in general packed in every chapter and every episode.

Read here for some of the FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION that you can use in your classroom.

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. Just subscribe to our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter.

Bonus Episode: Thanksgiving Recess 2023

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

-

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: The Rebuttal Speech

Season 2 Episode 5: Eagles Everywhere

Season 2 Episode 6: Congress and Immigration Reform

Season 2 Episode 7: Bird Myths

Season 2 Episode 8: News Cycle

Season 2 Episode 9: The House Chaplain

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

-

Bonus: 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!