Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America's Fight for Freedom
CCBC Review:
Mary Katharine Goddard is not a well-known figure in the history of the Revolutionary War, though her name is the only woman’s name to appear on the Declaration of Independence. Like many activists, Mary did not set out to make her (quiet) mark on history. Inheriting and operating a printing press was an unusual circumstance for a woman, but Mary’s brother left her and her mother in charge when he pursued other ambitions. Printing was tough, physical work in the 1770s, as demonstrated in the action-filled illustrations. As the fight for independence took hold in the colonies, Mary stood by her printing business and defended the right to a free press, an act that was increasingly considered treasonous. When the need for a broadside to be printed and distributed arose, Mary was the one to set the type and produce “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” Informative end matter provides additional details about Mary Katharine Goddard, the printing history of the Declaration of Independence, and printing and publishing in colonial times. An exciting and accessible narrative with themes of feminism, activism, and freedom of the press. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Activism and Resistance
Feminism
Free Speech
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Revolutionary War
On CCBC Booklist:
Picture Books for Older Children and Teens: Never Too Old
Publisher:
Roaring Brook
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781626723115
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 686 Blumenthal