2025 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist!
Our democracy is still very much in danger, and if elections are only considered valid if your side wins, our future is indeed dim. Kitty Felde helps us convey to children that our democracy depends on all sides of an election putting their allegiance to country above party, and her book helps open the door to a discussion about the perilous events on January 6th, how to find common ground, rebuild trust, and reach across the aisle, er, playground.
— U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D)
I’ll never forget living through that historic day, watching as our democracy was attacked from within. It’s so important to teach our children the truth about January 6th so that history doesn’t repeat itself. Consider this a useful tool in the defense of our shared nation.
— Former U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R)
In this novella, it's January 5, 2021, the middle of the pandemic, when Fina and her classmates are remote learning at home. Fina’s fourth grade class has challenged the fifth grade to a reading competition. But the losing class refuses to admit defeat and manages to steal the pizza that was supposed to go to the winners. Fina is determined to find out who stole the pizza.
Fina consults her Dr. Watson, a huge orange dog. But her investigation is interrupted on January 6th.
Fina and her classmates on Zoom react in real time to the news from the Capitol, a place where many of their parents work. Later that night, Fina’s father returns home safely, but explains to Fina that it’s his job to return to the Capitol to cast his vote to certify the election.
Back at school in their Zoom classroom, Fina’s teacher helps her students talk about their fears, but then she leads them in a history lesson. The kids talk about George Washington, who didn’t want to be a king, and about John Adams’ lingering anger and jealousy after losing his reelection to Thomas Jefferson. They talk about how Adams and Jefferson healed the breach through letters.
Fina reflects on winning and losing: whether it’s a reading competition, the World Series, or an election, you need both winners and losers. Her class learns how to be gracious losers.
What Kids Say:
I didn't know all this happened on January 6th! Catilayah, 3rd grade
This book is very interesting, exciting, and fun to read and to see what happens at the end. I would 100% recommend this. Sophia, 3rd grade
It’s a good way to learn about January 6th. And I liked the mystery. Sasha, 4th grade
I really liked it because it teaches people about history, but it is also funny. Julieta, 3rd grade
Learning about the Capitol and the events of January 6th is very important. The book is especially funny, even when talking about important events. 10 out of 10. Hugo, 4th grade
A great mystery book that teaches you about January 6th with a twist at the end.
Liyana, 4th grade
The book was good. I liked how the grandma was cooking carnitas! Also I like the topic of good sportsmanship and January 6th. Isai, 4th grade
I can't believe this event happened, right in our backyard! Rubio, 4th grade
This is a good book to learn about how elections work. Also, a good way to learn about good sportsmanship. Oliver, 4th grade
I recommend the book for people who are interested in U.S. history and want to know what happened on January 6th. It’s good, too. James, 4th grade
The book was very good and it was not afraid to talk about political things and there were a lot of mysteries. Arthur, 3rd grade
You should read this book because you can learn about politics and the elections.
James, 4th grade
This story has histories and mysteries.
Michael 4th grade
I think this is a good book and you should read it. If you want to know about January 6th, this can be the book for you.
Vincent 4th grade
I loved how Fina explained what January 6th was all about. Gabby, 3rd grade
I really enjoyed reading this book together with a friend. We learned so much by asking each other questions! Kaylin & Talaura, 3rd grade
I love reading about Fina's adventures - I can't wait until her next investigation! Josh, 4th grade
Fina is my hero! Amiah, 4th grade
This book encouraged me to watch the news more with my family! Shamar, 4th grade
Wow, I cannot believe this happened in D.C.! Alston, 5th grade
Listen to the FREE podcast episode
A note from the author:
How do we talk to kids about the events of January 6th without scaring them to death? Can we use the events of that day as a way to further civics education and perhaps even inspire the next generation to consider public service?
I covered Capitol Hill for Southern California Public Radio for nearly a decade. Back then, I explained how government works to grownups. Now I explain it to kids. That’s the purpose of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries books and podcast.
I wanted to help parents and teachers explain what happened in a way that makes sense to kids. I talked to teachers on Capitol Hill, asking them how they talked to their students about the attack on the Capitol. Their answers inspired Losing is Democratic.
★ There is FREE curriculum for Losing is Democratic included in the book.
From a journalist who covered the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol:
I try to shield my 10 nieces and nephews from today’s nasty politics as much as possible, in part, because today’s politicians care about winning at all costs. But losing is a part of the DNA of any democracy — or it should be. “Losing is Democratic” by Kitty Felde is a fun, adventure-filled lesson for the next generation about the pitfalls of pride and heroism of humility.
Matt Laslo, veteran congressional correspondent and Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University
