  | Revolutionary Mary : the true story of one woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America's fight for freedom Author: Blumenthal, Karen | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
The story of Mary Katharine Goddard -- the only woman to sign her name on the Declaration of Independence.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | McCartney, Jen |
| Illustrator: | Baddeley, Elizabeth |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/24)
School Library Journal (+) (01/01/25)
Booklist (02/01/25)
The Hornbook (00/05/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 01/01/2025 Gr 3–5—Be ready to welcome a much-needed spotlight narrative on a woman who fought for free press and liberty. Mary Katharine Goddard printed and published newspapers and pamphlets in Maryland during the Revolutionary War. She had a tenacity and boldness about her professional work that was not commonly seen in women during the era. Goddard was tasked with the important mission of printing copies of the signed Declaration of Independence for wider distribution throughout the colonies and risked her own safety by signing her name as publisher to what was, of course, a treasonous document. The art enhances this tale tenfold by making readers feel and vicariously suffer the hard work Goddard endured. Every word used to emphasize the impact of Goddard's work drives readers to know more. Important back matter gives helpful context to the life of Goddard and the printing business. VERDICT An excellent purchase recommended to any library seeking to embolden readers of a new kind of revolutionary leader.—Lindsey Morrison - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 02/01/2025 “That was Mary.” With this refrain echoing throughout, we learn that Mary Katharine Goddard ran a printing shop and published copies of the Declaration of Independence in support of the American Revolution. The brisk, energetic narrative lightly covers her biographical highlights and explains the historical context, including the fact that publishers of revolutionary ideas could be hanged for treason. Illustrations show the urgency and physicality of Goddard’s work, weaving the sounds of a press—POUND, CRANK, WHOOSH!—into the background of all she does. More detailed biographical information at the back elaborates on her later role as postmaster of Baltimore and reveals that Goddard owned an enslaved woman, Belinda Starling. Additional resources include a bibliography and an explanation of printing in the colonial period. The text makes clear that being an unmarried publisher was unusual for a woman of the era but focuses more on the risks she took in supporting the Revolution and advocating for freedom of the press. Overall, an engaging introduction to a lesser-known contributor to American history. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
