Book Review: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon, widely known as “America’s Government Teacher” and admired for her insightful historical content, brings her wisdom and warmth to The Small and the Mighty. This book is an inspiring exploration of the power of individuals—often overlooked or underestimated—who have shaped history and made a lasting impact on the world.
At its core, The Small and the Mighty is a testament to the idea that true strength isn’t about size, status, or authority, but about resilience, courage, and the willingness to stand for what is right. McMahon expertly weaves together stories of unsung heroes, highlighting the impact of ordinary people who refused to back down in the face of adversity. Her storytelling is engaging, making history feel both relevant and deeply personal.
What makes this book stand out is McMahon’s signature approach—informative yet accessible, scholarly yet infused with warmth and humor. She has a gift for making history feel alive, allowing readers to connect with figures who may have previously been just footnotes in textbooks. The book also carries an underlying message of empowerment, encouraging readers to recognize their own ability to make a difference, no matter how small their actions may seem.
For those who have followed McMahon’s work on social media, her voice in The Small and the Mighty feels familiar—like a trusted teacher guiding you through stories that will inspire, educate, and challenge you to rethink what it means to be powerful. It’s a book that will resonate with history lovers, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of kindness, knowledge, and action.
Whether you’re reading it for personal growth, classroom discussions, or simply a dose of uplifting historical insight, The Small and the Mighty is a must-read. It serves as a reminder that in a world that often celebrates the loudest and the largest, it is often the small and mighty who leave the most profound legacy.
Personal Reflection
I found myself deeply encouraged by the stories in The Small and the Mighty, particularly the book’s ending, which compels all of us to do what we can in the spaces we inhabit. As a speech and language pathologist who has spent the majority of my professional life in public schools, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of education—especially when it comes to students with learning differences.
For me, this transformation has been about moving away from the outdated model of warehousing children with learning challenges and instead fighting for their fundamental right to a quality education. Yet, as much progress as we have made, we are still in the infancy of inclusion. True education is not just about a teacher and a classroom; it is about an entire network of professionals—speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, school nurses, BCBAs, psychologists—all working in conjunction with educators to create an environment where all students can thrive.
I have been trying to champion this vision for years, but there are moments when I feel discouraged. Sometimes, I struggle with the fact that my role is not always traditionally viewed as that of a “teacher,” despite my deep commitment to education. At my age, the questions I hear most often are about retirement rather than my future contributions to the field. But The Small and the Mighty came at just the right time, reminding me why I continue to push forward. This book reignited my passion for education, reinforcing my belief that real change is created by the collective efforts of dedicated individuals. It gave me the shot of adrenaline I needed to keep advocating for the power of education and the village of professionals who help shape the future of our children.
This book isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a call to action. And for those of us who believe in the power of education, it is a reminder that we are part of something much bigger.
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