Hogar de Los Valientes: Un Misterio de Fina Mendoza

By Kitty Felde

Break-ins, vandalism, fires -- everyone blames a homeless man they call "the Bear." Everyone except 11-year-old detective Fina Mendoza. Solving this mystery will take bravery she didn't know she had. This is Book 4 of the INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD WINNING Spanish-language series, Los Misterios de Fina Mendoza. Fina and her sister Gabby return to Los Angeles for the summer and reunite with their Mexican American family while Papa, a congressman, campaigns for reelection there. But something feels off in their old neighborhood. After a brush fire ignites during July 4th fireworks, neighbors point the finger at the Bear, a scary-looking man living in an old RV. Fina investigates and discovers he is a military veteran and artist. But is he also the vandal? This heartwarming whodunit is about family, belonging, challenging stereotypes, and the power of one brave Latina girl to find a "home" for everyone. "A sweet story rooted in relevant social issues." --Kirkus Reviews THE WEST WING MEETS NANCY DREW, THIS TIME AT CITY HALL. Ideal for social studies units on local government and SEL discussions on courage, empathy, social justice, and military veterans' services. --Downloadable Teacher's Guide (in English, grades 3-5) --"Facts Behind the Fiction" newsletter and blog --The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H149F5DS
• ISBN13: 9798993737300
• Release Date: January 2027
• Publisher: Chesapeake Press
• Length: 220 Pages
• Age Range: 7 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 7