Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America's Fight for Freedom

A bold picture book biography about Mary Katharine Goddard, the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence, by award-winning authors Karen Blumenthal and Jen McCartney, and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley.

Who was Mary Katharine Goddard?

Born in 1738, she was homeschooled by her mother in reading and math. She took over her brother's printing shop a few years later and became an expert in printing newspapers, essays, and posters.

When the American Revolution started, she published important news that helped the fight against the British - even if it meant that if she was caught, she'd be punished for treason. In 1776, Mary was asked to print the Declaration of Independence - she is the only woman whose name is on the Declaration.

That was Mary.

Follow Mary's revolutionary journey in this captivating picture book biography perfect for fans of I DISSENT and COUNTING ON KATHERINE.

Author: Karen Blumenthal, Jen McCartney
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 02/18/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.60w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781626723115
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2024
School Library Journal 01/01/2025 pg. 68
Booklist 02/01/2025 pg. 68
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2025 pg. 106
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author

Karen Blumenthal (1959-2020) was a financial journalist and editor whose career included five years with The Dallas Morning News and twenty-five with The Wall Street Journal--where her work helped earn the paper a Pulitzer Prize for its breaking news coverage of the September 11, 2001 attacks--before becoming an award-winning children's non-fiction book writer.

Jen McCartney is a television writer and screenwriter. She has worked on Hulu's Solar Opposites, Netflix's The Big Show Show, and others. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and dog, Peach. She is honored to have finally gotten to write something with her mom.

Elizabeth Baddeley is no stranger to a print shop. Her arts education included screenprint, intaglio, and just like Mary, letterpress. Elizabeth lives in Roeland Park, Kansas with her husband and son where she loves to draw in her sketchbook, garden, and sew.