Losing is Democratic - (The Fina Mendoza Mysteries) by Kitty Felde (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A great book and series for CIVICS EDUCATION!

Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th features a Latina protagonist of spunk and smarts whose congressman father is on the House floor on January 6th.

Teachers, Librarians, and Homeschoolers, THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES SERIES of Books, Podcasts, Teacher's Guides, and "Facts Behind the Fiction" newsletter/blog provide a multidisciplinary approach to civics education for elementary school readers. As our amateur detective solves mysteries on Capitol Hill, she and your students learn about American democracy, the electoral process, civic engagement and the events of January 6, 2021.

SYNOPSIS: Fina is in the middle of an investigation to find out who stole the 5th grade's pizza-the prize for winning a reading competition. But all thoughts of detection go out the window as she, her older sister Gabby, and grandmother Abuelita watch on television as a mob breaks into the Capitol. Is Papa okay? Most of Fina's classmates have parents who work inside that building as well. Their teacher calms their fears and the next day, turns the event into a teaching opportunity, looking back at the bitter presidential election rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The students discuss the importance of winning and losing, whether it's in a baseball game, a reading competition, or an election.

THE WEST WING meets NANCY DREW

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR LOSING IS DEMOCRATIC

From Members of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol:

"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. Congressman 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)

* * *

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

* * *

From Kids at Malcolm X Elementary School on Capitol Hill and Atwater Dual Language Elementary School in Los Angeles:

"I can't believe this event happened, right in our backyard!"
--Rubio, 4th grader, Malcolm X Elementary

"It's a good way to learn about January 6th. And I liked the mystery."
--Sasha, 4th grader, Atwater Elementary

"Fina is my hero!"
--Amiah, 4th grader, Malcolm X Elementary

"I really liked it because it teaches people about history, but it is also funny."
--Julieta, 3rd grader, Atwater Elementary

"This is a good book to learn about how elections work. Also, a good way to learn about good sportsmanship."
--Oliver, 4th grader Atwater Elementary

"I really enjoyed reading this book together with a friend. We learned so much by asking each other questions."
--Kaylin and Talaura, 3rd graders, Malcolm X Elementary

"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 grader, Atwater Elementary

"This book encouraged me to watch the news more with my family."
--Shamar, 4th grader, Malcolm X Elementary

"This story has histories and mysteries."
--Michael, 4th grader, Atwater Elementary

"I love reading about Fina's adventures - I can't wait until her next investigation!"
--Josh, 4th grader, Malcolm X Elementary

About the Author

Award-winning writer, public radio journalist, and TEDx speaker Kitty Felde hosts the Book Club for Kids podcast. With more than 1.4 million downloads, the show has been named one of the top 10 kidcasts in the world by The Times of London.

Kitty has a remarkable talent for talking to kids and she shared her super power in a TEDx UCLA talk.

The native Angeleno created the Washington bureau for Southern California Public Radio, reporting on Congress. She's covered everything from war crimes trials to OJ Simpson to baseball, and hosted a daily talk show in Los Angeles for nearly a decade. Kitty had a front row seat at one of the January 6th Committee hearings.

She won the Los Angeles Radio Journalist of the Year award three times in three years from the Society of Professional Journalists and the L.A. Press Club. As a journalist, Kitty explained how government works to grownups. Now she explains it to kids in a series of mystery novels and podcasts called The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. She also writes the companion blog Facts Behind the Fiction, available on the Chesapeake Press website (www.chesapeakepress.org).

Find Kitty at www.kittyfelde.com and @kittyfelde.