Legend has it: anyone who sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill will be cursed with bad luck. 10-year-old Fina Mendoza just saw it. And the last thing her family needs right now is more bad luck.

Fina’s mom just died. So she and her older sister Gabby just moved to Washington, D.C. to live fulltime with Papa, a congressman from California. Fina loves exploring the U.S. Capitol, walking congressional dogs, and especially spending more time with Papa – even though he’s always on the phone.

But after Fina encounters a mysterious cat, a string of disasters follows. Jars of spaghetti sauce explode. Her beloved Abuelita breaks her leg. And Fina’s only friend in Washington, a congressional dog named Senator Something, becomes the target.

The only way for Fina to save her family from future “cat”astrophe is to solve the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.

"Fina Mendoza is the kind of bright, lively, curious, loving little girl you want for a best friend forever. Her encounters with her new home in the federal capital are funny and scary, but she’s capable of settling in with gusto. The book is a marvelous introduction to the workings of government, and of a young lady of spunk and smarts."           Susan Stamberg, NPR

"It gives keen insight into the everyday workings of the U. S. Capitol and its inhabitants." Rep. David Dreier, former Chair of the House Rules Committee

”This heartwarming story about life’s obstacles, taking responsibility for your actions, and overcoming fears also serves as a tender reminder to children and adults alike, that even when parents seem busy, they are always paying attention." Rep. David G. Valadao

"Embracing true Mexican traditions and family values, she captures a child’s imagination from the viewpoint of Washington’s multi-faceted world while providing insight into Los Angeles’ culture." Rep. Grace Napolitano

"A beautiful story told through the eyes of a gutsy Latina protagonist, it introduces children to the daily hum of life in our nation’s capital. Told with unerring accuracy, my son and I recognized the perfect descriptions of the Capitol and Fina’s rich cultural traditions. We cheered Fina on every step of the way! Refreshing and unique, it is already a family favorite."  Rep. Linda Sanchez