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“Sometimes it takes a child detective to see what the adults don’t and save the day. This fourth entry in a series that references civics and the inner workings of Congress touches on themes of gentrification, unhoused people, public policy, and the plight of veterans in ways that are accessible to middle-grade readers. A sweet story rooted in relevant social issues.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Home of the Brave (The Fina Mendoza Mysteries #4)

Written by Kitty Felde
Published by Chesapeake Press

Fina and her sister Gabby are back in Los Angeles for the summer. While their congressman father campaigns for reelection, they reunite with their large, close-knit Mexican American family to share the food and traditions that make the city feel like home. But when Fina reconnects with her best friend, she discovers something rotten in her old neighborhood. Amid the new megamansions and an explosion of electric cars, she sees a battered old RV and a scary-looking man neighbors call “The Bear.”

A brush fire ignites during July 4th fireworks and fear and suspicion sweep through the community. Neighbors are quick to point fingers at The Bear, but the curious detective taps her inside-the-Beltway experience to uncover a deeper mystery involving strange paintings, a military veteran, and urban wildlife.

With her own aunts and grandmother pressuring City Hall to take action, time is running out for the homeless man. Fina looks for the facts and suspects the real troublemaker might have paws and claws. She investigates with courage and compassion, standing up for a vulnerable veteran in a gentrifying neighborhood.

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Primary ISBN: 9798999286413
Publication Date: July 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Middle Grade, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Washington D.C.)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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