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The Small and the Mighty

Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement

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The Small and the Mighty

By: Sharon McMahon
Narrated by: Sharon McMahon
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About this listen

 A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From America’s favorite government teacher, a “fascinating and fun” (Adam Grant) 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. Americas Civics & Citizenship Politics & Government United States World Inspiring Social justice
All stars
Most relevant
I am not American and I enjoyed this book. It’s uplifting to hear of everyday people following what they believe and it’s interesting to uncover these stories with the heartfelt words and narration of the author, Sharon. There is a wide variety of stories, you never quite know where the story will go, with Sharon touching on injustice and bravery with dashes of levity and a lot of hope. I never thought I’d hear the moving internal thoughts of a stoic pigeon but now I have! An easy listen and worth a second listen easily.

Excellent delivery and engaging stories

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Wonderfully read by Sharon, joy and sorrow listening to those that led change. Very timely to learn of the those that we were willing to risk it all for change. One minute you are laughing and the next she brings tears to your eyes. Did no want it to end.

Amazing Stories

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