How Hard Can It Be? Boys Do It.
The woman who fed America during WWII, then disappeared from history.
Coming on May 19, 2026
We Are Mighty
From Sharon McMahon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Small and the Mighty.
A teacher. A telephone operator. A boy in a prison camp. Twelve true stories of ordinary Americans who changed the country — for readers of every age.
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 weekly digital magazine. 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.
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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
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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.