Home of the Brave: A Fina Mendoza Mystery

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. Fina and her sister Gabby return to Los Angeles for the summer where Papa is campaigning for reelection. They reunite with their large, close-knit Mexican American family and old friends, but Fina discovers something rotten in her old neighborhood. After a brush fire breaks out during July 4th fireworks, neighbors blame "the Bear" -- a scary-looking man living in a battered RV. Our amateur sleuth discovers the man is an artist and a military veteran. 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. A great choice for SUMMER READING as America turns 250, with CIVICS EDUCATION woven into the storyline. Ideal for SOCIAL STUDIES units on LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Free downloadable TEACHER'S GUIDE (grades 3-5), newsletter/blog, and podcast available.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Chesapeake Press
Published: 06/30/2026
ISBN: 9798999286413
Pages: 200

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026