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
Stories That Inspire Courage and Action
A beautifully illustrated collection for readers of all ages — perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who believes one person can make a difference.
Available from most major booksellers
or your local bookshop
or your local bookshop
From the Author
A note from Sharon
The dedication of this book reads: "For my children, and for yours." I meant it literally. I've been carrying the stories of these twelve Americans around for years, telling them at dinner tables and on long car rides, because I wanted my kids to grow up knowing them.
Now the stories are a book, and they can travel further than my voice can. Read it with a child you love. You'll both remember it.
— Sharon
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.
The History You Never Learned in School
The #1 New York Times-bestselling stories of ordinary people — a telephone operator, a boy in a prison camp, a woman on a white horse — whose courage changed the course of our nation.
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
Notable Conversations
Book Me to Speak
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.
INQUIRE HERE →A Community of Millions of Governerds – and Growing
Join a community that believes facts aren’t partisan and curiosity is power.
Understanding our system changes everything.
I’m Sharon McMahon—a teacher at heart and a firm believer that truth still matters. After years in the classroom teaching government and law, I brought my lessons online.
Now, millions of people turn to me for nonpartisan insight that makes sense of the news, unpacks misinformation, and connects the dots from history to today. My goal is simple: tell the truth, explain it clearly, and help you understand how our system works—so together, we can make it work better.