Duluthian Sharon McMahon became “America’s Government Teacher” through Instagram, and she’ll now tell compelling stories through her new book, “The Small and the Mighty.”

“These are unsung Americans who changed the course of history. And to me, those are some of the most interesting people in history,” she said. “We have learned about the same sort of handful of people when there are literally tens of thousands of other people whose stories have been neglected. So those are the kinds of stories I find the most interesting in part because they really did impactful things, and maybe you’ve never heard of them.”

McMahon said she’s wanted to be an author since she was a kid. Her first book will be released Sept. 24. It was originally supposed to come out sooner, but the publisher made the strategic decision to release it in the fall of 2024. She feels it will be especially encouraging in this presidential election season.

“I think the stories in this book really help highlight how people who did not come from fame, money, wealth, or prestige – many of the people in the book came from absolutely nothing – managed to have an incredible impact,” McMahon said. “And that’s something that’s available to all of us.”