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.
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
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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: 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
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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!