Bookmarked Thoughts: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

I’m trying something new: book reviews!

Watching my older daughter fall in love with reading has been such a wake-up call for me. This year, I’m making reading a priority, and I’m being super intentional about the books I choose. With everything going on in the world, I wanted stories that inspire, educate, and maybe even give me a little hope.

First up: The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon. If you haven’t heard of Sharon, let me just say…I’m a total fangirl. Her insights into politics, government, and history are not only eye-opening but also incredibly hopeful. And to be real, back in January, I needed that hope more than ever.

This book is a reminder that even the smallest actions can create big change. It’s exactly the kind of read I needed to kick off my year.

In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon (aka America’s Government Teacher) introduces us to the ordinary people who truly shaped America, individuals who never made it into textbooks but whose stories are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s about the everyday people who pursued justice, freedom, and change in ways both big and small.

Reading The Small and the Mighty feels like sitting down with a wise, witty friend who reminds you that history isn’t just about the famous names we memorized in school, it’s about the everyday heroes who quietly changed the world. Sharon McMahon, with her sharp research and gift for storytelling, introduces us to a cast of unsung champions: teachers, suffragists, formerly enslaved individuals, and dreamers who fought for justice, freedom, and hope. This book isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to action, a reminder that ordinary people (people like you and me) have always been the ones to shape our nation’s future. It’s inspiring, empowering, and, honestly, the kind of read that makes you want to be better. If you’re looking for a book that restores your faith in humanity, this is it.

You can purchase this book here and you can follow Sharon on Instagram here.

I highly recommend both!