‘The Small and the Mighty’ selected as U of I’s 2025-26 Common Read

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho has chosen “The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History” by Sharon McMahon as its Common Read for 2025-26.

“The committee chose ‘The Small and the Mighty’ for its engaging storytelling,” said Barb Kirchmeier, U of I’s director of General Education and Independent Study in Idaho. “While the book’s tone is conversational, the committee believes that students will find the book engaging and accessible. Its storytelling style makes historical content approachable.”

McMahon earned a reputation as “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election for her viral efforts on Instagram to combat political misinformation. Committed to providing clear, nonpartisan insights on democracy, she has built a following of more than a million — affectionately called the “Governerds” — who rely on her for factual, logic-driven explanations.

The book’s summary says, “In her debut book, (McMahon) tells the inspiring stories of 12 Americans — regular people with human foibles — whose extraordinary heroism in the face of mounting trials created the character of our country. With the same clarity and candor that’s earned her millions of fans, McMahon follows the daughter of formerly enslaved parents who sparked a reformation in Black education, a Japanese immigrant who nearly died in combat and became a consequential Senator, and even the electrician who saved her husband’s life. Her unforgettable prose and meticulous research tell the story of America from the perspective of the unsung heroes whose devotion to their country will restore your faith in the American dream.”

“McMahon has a remarkable ability to make you laugh as you learn about the unsung heroes who shaped our country,” bestselling author Adam Grant said of the book. “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.”

In addition to writing a No. 1 New York Times best seller, McMahon — a former high school government and law teacher — hosts “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting,” a podcast ranked in the top 1%, and writes the widely read newsletter “The Preamble.”

Now in its 18th year, the Common Read is designed to engage the university and Moscow community in a shared intellectual experience. Opportunities to engage with the Common Read will be provided throughout the academic year.

Other recent Common Reads have included “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green, “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams, “So you Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo, “Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth, “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez, “There There” by Tommy Orange and “Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover.

Copies of “The Small and the Mighty” will be available later this summer through the VandalStore and BookPeople of Moscow.

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Media Contact:

Barb Kirchmeier
Director of General Education and Independent Study in Idaho
208-885-9258
barbara@uidaho.edu