“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

Chesapeake Press

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


Come see us at the LA Times Festival of Books! Booth 569.


“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.”
— Congressman Adam Schiff

GET YOUR COPY NOW!

Kitty Felde talks about The Fina Mendoza Mysteries with Sarah and JC.

“Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza” gets a rave review from a 10-year-old reviewer.


Also available in Spanish!

Where it all began:

MY NAME IS FINA MENDOZA.

I moved to Washington, D.C. with my older sister Gabby because our dad works in the U.S. Capitol. He’s a congressman. Me? I solve mysteries. 

I get some help from a big orange dog named Senator Something. Together, we’re on our first case to solve the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill. If you see it, you’re cursed with bad luck FOREVER. 

I just saw it. Now I’ve got to solve the mystery of the Demon Cat to save the Mendoza  family from “cat”astrophe.

Books & Educational Resources

from Chesapeake Press:

State of the Union: Book 2 in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series

A mysterious bird poops on the President during the State of the Union address. Can our detective, the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, find that bird … and learn its secret message?

Teacher's Guide

Use this high interest resource to combine ELA, math, social studies, and social emotional learning lessons built around the highly praised middle grade novel “Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza,” Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza, and The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.

This Teacher's Guide contains information about Congress, Quizzes, Mapping tasks that require the use of some math skills, Fun facts, Writing practice, Creative art activities, and Social emotional learning (SEL.) Available on Amazon or get your free download.


The Podcast

This free podcast follows the adventures of 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, who investigates mysteries in the U.S. Capitol with the help of a big orange dog named Senator Something.

Get your copy of WELCOME TO WASHINGTON FINA MENDOZA: