Author Sharon McMahon sounds like the kind of social studies teacher you wish you had in high school. In her book The Small and the Mighty, she introduces us to several fellow Americans of times past, many of whom you may never have heard of, but who due to their courage, strength of character, and perseverance, were able to be part of change and positive influence in our country. They inspired others to do the right thing, to join up and be part of improving “justice for all” in America. McMahon’s wish is that these stories will convince the reader to be courageous when their moment comes, to do the next right thing, to be willing to put self on the line, for the betterment of all.

Some of these Americans I heard of, but didn’t know their back stories, the sacrifices they made, or what they accomplished. Katherine Bates, a literature teacher at Wellesley College, after a summer train trip across the United States, seeing for the first time numerous natural wonders, was inspired to write the poem, “America the Beautiful”, and apart from the few dollars earned publishing the poem, allowed and even encouraged its publication and use when it was put to music. It has become our beloved, informal national anthem, and Bates made sure she did not earn any royalties from the song. It is truly a call to our country to be the best it can be, encouraging peace and brotherhood.

Daniel Inouye was an American, born of Japanese immigrant parents in Kauai, Hawaii, who were impoverished due to his father paying off a debt of his father’s. When Dan was sixteen, Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. He was one of the first responders with Red Cross training to pull people from wreckage, attempting to save lives. While Japanese Americans in other states were forced into concentration camps, losing homes, possessions, and careers, Hawaii was able to avoid this injustice. Dan signed up for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an entire regiment of Japanese Americans seeking to prove their patriotism by fighting to defeat Nazism in Europe. Dan lost an arm, and nearly lost his life, defending his unit and courageously taking the fight to the Germans. He served almost fifty years as a Democratic senator from Hawaii, the highest ranking Asian American politician in U.S. history. He never forgot his origins, and was beloved and respected by senators of both parties.

McMahon highlights and tells the stories of ordinary Americans who were in a particular time and place, and had the talent and opportunity to exhibit courage and selflessness to make significant changes for us all. Her story telling illustrates how each of us, by living our lives with quiet, selfless sacrifice, we can by our example, and by courageously stating the truth, make for positive change. In small, incremental ways, we can each be “mighty.” It is not a matter of political party; it is a matter of what is moral, truthful, and right. A worthwhile read for all.