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“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
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.
Listen to the FREE podcast episode
THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES
JUVENILE FICTION
52 PAGES, 5.5 X 8.5
FORMATS: TRADE PAPER, EPUB
TRADE PAPER, $6.99 (US $6.99) (CA $9.99)
PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 2024
ISBN 9798989493401
RIGHTS: WOR
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.” Download it HERE.
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