State of the Union

"A lively, diverse mystery with enjoyable, informative plotting and a relatable young female protagonist." – KIRKUS REVIEWS Fina Mendoza, the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, solves mysteries inside the U.S. Capitol with help from a big orange dog named Senator Something. Fina's latest case: find the mysterious bird that pooped on the president's head during the State of the Union address. Is it Chickcharney, the legendary bird from the Caribbean? Did it fly to Washington D.C. with a secret message for the president? Or Congress? Or is the message for Fina from her mom who passed away not so many months ago? As Fina searches for clues, readers get a glimpse behind the scenes of American democracy, including a Congressional battle over immigration reform. There's another battle in her multigenerational home when Fina's grandmother Abuelita is nearly arrested at an immigration protest. Can Fina find Chickcharney and discover its secret message? The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, enhanced by supplemental materials and curriculum, provide a multidisciplinary introduction to civics education for elementary school readers. "The West Wing" meets Nancy Drew.