Brand new foreword by Ken Burns
How Hard Can It Be? Boys Do It.
The woman who fed America during WWII, then disappeared from history.
America’s Government Teacher
Facts Don’t Require YourApproval
Sharon McMahon spent years teaching government, history, and law to teenagers — now millions of adults show up voluntarily, without their moms forcing them to go. Her books, The Small and the Mighty and We Are Mighty, are both #1 New York Times bestsellers, and she’s the editor-in-chief of The Preamble, a newsletter read by members of Congress and college students alike.
Her fans named themselves Governerds. (She had no say in that.)
America’s Government Teacher
Facts Don’t Require Your Approval
Sharon McMahon spent years teaching government, history, and law to teenagers — now millions of adults show up voluntarily, without their moms forcing them to go. Her books, The Small and the Mighty and We Are Mighty, are both #1 New York Times bestsellers, and she’s the editor-in-chief of The Preamble, a newsletter read by members of Congress and college students alike.
Her fans named themselves Governerds. (She had no say in that.)
But wait, there’s more
Now in paperback
The Small and the Mighty
- Brand new foreword by Ken Burns
- All-new bonus chapter
- Updated with a study guide
Reviews of The Small and the Mighty
“Sharon McMahon has a remarkable ability to make you laugh as you learn about the unsung heroes who shaped our country. By the end of the book, you won’t just be enlightened and entertained—you’ll feel empowered by newfound confidence that you don’t need to be rich or famous to make a difference.”
- Adam Grant
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking
New York Times
#1 Bestseller
#1 Bestseller
Amazon Books
#1 Bestseller
#1 Bestseller
USA Today
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bookshop.org
Bestseller
Bestseller
Indie Bookstores
Bestseller
Bestseller
Now a #1 New York Times bestseller
We Are Mighty
A celebration of courage, character, and the idea that the smallest step can create ripples we can’t yet see.
We Are Mighty shows what’s possible when we choose hope over fear, and refuse to give up on doing the next needed thing.
The Preamble is a reader-supported daily newsletter. We don’t chase clickbait headlines or tell you that the sky is falling every morning. Instead, our deep, accessible insights on topics you truly care about help you feel informed, confident, and ready to engage in meaningful conversations.
The Beauty of Friction
AI is teaching us to live without resistance — and forgetting that friction is where meaning begins.
The Doctor Shortage We Designed
America’s two-tier system is here: concierge care for the few, crowded waiting rooms for everyone else.
Free to read. Clear, factual, and worth your time.
Subscribe to The Preamble →The Preamble Podcast
My award-winning podcast exploring untold stories from history, democracy, and civic life.
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In one unforgettable hour, I’ll turn a room full of strangers into people who believe they can change the world.
Your audience will leave inspired to bridge divides, take meaningful action, and believe — deeply — that small acts truly matter.
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