From America’s favorite government teacher, a heartfelt, inspiring portrait of twelve ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country. In The Small and the Mighty , Sharon McMahon proves that the most remarkable Americans are often ordinary people who didn’t make it into the textbooks. Not the presidents, but the telephone operators.

Not the aristocrats, but the schoolteachers. Through meticulous research, she discovers history’s unsung characters and brings their rich, riveting stories to light for the first time. You’ll meet a woman astride a white horse riding down Pennsylvania Ave, a young boy detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, a formerly enslaved woman on a mission to reunite with her daughter, a poet on a train, and a teacher who learns to work with her enemies.

More than one thing is bombed, and multiple people surprisingly become rich. Some rich with money, and some wealthy with things that matter more. This is a book about what really made America – and Americans – great.

McMahon’s cast of improbable champions will become familiar friends, lighting the path we journey in our quest to make the world more just, peaceful, good, and free.

In the pages of "The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement," readers embark on a captivating journey through pivotal moments in American history. This compelling exploration shines a spotlight on individuals whose contributions, although often overlooked, were instrumental in shaping the nation's path. Through careful research and vivid storytelling, the book unearths the legacies of these remarkable figures, revealing the profound impact they had on the development of American society.

The book uncovers crucial yet often overlooked figures in American history. Individual actions no matter how small can significantly impact societal change. Diverse backgrounds enriched America's evolving story over significant historical periods.

Amidst the sprawling chronicle of American history, certain figures have faded into the background despite their monumental contributions. This book brings to the forefront twelve unsung heroes whose efforts from the nation's inception to the Civil Rights Movement left an indelible mark. By sharing their stories, the narrative seeks to restore their place in the tapestry of history.

Readers will discover the profound influence these individuals had on pivotal historical moments, examining their lives through a nuanced lens. The often untold stories bridge the past with the present, offering a deeper understanding of how their contributions moved the country toward justice and equality. Through insightful narratives, the book delves into the varied backgrounds and challenges these figures faced.

By exploring their efforts in education, politics, arts, and social reform, readers encounter a rich tapestry of dedication and resilience that proved foundational in reshaping society. Each chapter encapsulates a lifetime of courageous actions and groundbreaking ideas, allowing readers to appreciate the multifaceted roles played by these overlooked heroes. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring impact of determined individuals in steering the course of history.

The book ultimately serves as a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of those who defied societal constraints. Their narratives encourage reflection on the broader journey to secure rights and liberties for all and underscore the enduring power of individuals who dared to work for a better America.

This book illuminates the lives of twelve pivotal yet largely uncelebrated individuals offering fresh perspectives on familiar historical narratives It combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling to engage and inform The narratives go beyond mere biographical accounts providing context and examining the broader societal impact of each figure's contributions This approach gives readers a richer understanding of American history Each story is crafted to inspire and provoke thought encouraging readers to reflect on the power of individual agency and the potential for transformative change in contemporary contexts.