The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon – Review

Sometimes a book comes along that surprises you—not because it’s flashy or full of drama, but because it gets to the heart of what it means to be human. Sharon McMahon’s The Small and the Mighty is one of those books. Instead of focusing on the presidents, generals, or big-shot millionaires who usually dominate history books, McMahon shines a light on everyday Americans who quietly shaped the country. The result? A collection of stories so fascinating, touching, and downright inspiring that you’ll never look at “ordinary” people the same way again.

This isn’t the kind of history book that feels like homework. It’s warm, engaging, and filled with people who—despite not being household names—will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Unsung Heroes with Big Stories

What McMahon does so well in this book is to remind us that greatness doesn’t always come with fame or fortune. You meet a woman riding a white horse down Pennsylvania Avenue, boldly making a statement that most history books forgot to mention. You meet a young boy who endured life in a Japanese incarceration camp during World War II and somehow kept his spirit intact. There’s also a formerly enslaved woman whose determination to reunite with her daughter will break your heart—and then put it back together.

Each story is different, yet they all share this incredible undercurrent of bravery and resilience. There’s even a poet on a train and a schoolteacher who figures out how to work with her enemies. Some of these people became wealthy (literally or in the things that truly matter), while others just did what needed to be done without expecting a reward.

McMahon doesn’t just tell their stories; she brings these people to life. You don’t feel like you’re reading a dusty account of the past—you feel like you’re meeting these folks, seeing what they saw, and maybe even rooting for them along the way.

History That Feels Personal

One of the things I loved most about this book is how personal it feels. McMahon writes like she’s sitting across the table from you, sharing stories that mean something to her. You can tell she’s done her homework—there’s a ton of research here—but it never feels heavy or overwhelming. Instead, it’s like she’s gently pulling back the curtain on parts of history you didn’t even know you were missing.

For instance, the story of the formerly enslaved woman stuck with me. Her grit, her determination—it’s the kind of thing that makes you pause and wonder how many other stories like hers have been overlooked. And then there’s the schoolteacher who learns to work with her enemies. It’s such a simple idea, but the way McMahon tells it, you can’t help but think about your own life and the ways you could approach challenges differently.

Why This Book Matters

What makes The Small and the Mighty so powerful is its message: Greatness isn’t reserved for the people in power. It’s in the quiet moments of courage, in the seemingly small decisions that ripple outward. And honestly, that feels like such an important reminder right now.

In a world where the loudest voices often get the most attention, this book gently suggests that the real heroes might be the ones we overlook. The telephone operators. The teachers. The poets. The kids.

It’s not just a collection of stories; it’s a call to action. You leave the book feeling inspired to make your own impact, no matter how small it might seem.

A Few Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who loves history but hates how often it focuses on the same big names, this book is for you. If you’re looking for something hopeful, something that reminds you of the good in people, this book is for you. And if you just like a well-told story, well, guess what? This book is for you, too.

Sharon McMahon has written something really special with The Small and the Mighty. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to share with friends, the kind you’ll think about long after you’ve finished it. Because at its core, it’s about people—ordinary, flawed, wonderful people—and the ways they quietly change the world.

Pick it up. You won’t regret it.

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