Revolutionary Mary

Starred review from January 1, 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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2024
The story of an unusual woman who printed the Declaration of Independence. Mary Katharine Goddard was determined to be recognized. Though she didn't attend school, she was fortunate to have a mother who tutored her in reading and math. When Mary and her mother worked in brother William's print shop, she could see another option for her life, beyond marriage and motherhood. She became immersed in her profession, relishing the hard physical work. She printed newspapers, books, advertisements, and more, as well as information about events that were moving the 13 colonies toward independence from Britain. When the Revolution began, she was fully aware that she was committing treason, proudly placing her name, M.K. Goddard, on every paper she issued. Mary was chosen to print the first official copies of the Declaration of Independence, which showed the names of the signers. She made her own statement by adding her full name as printer. "That was Mary." The tale is filled with details of America's revolutionary period, insights into Mary's character, and facts about the printing process--"Whoosh!" "Pound!" "Crank!"--all greatly enhanced by bright, sharply delineated illustrations accompanied by sepia insets that provide further historical information. Mary was white, but some workers and townspeople have darker skin. In the backmatter, the author notes that upon her death, Mary freed the enslaved woman she owned, Belinda, and left her all her possessions. A fascinating look at a thoughtful, courageous woman. (about Mary Katherine Goddard, printing history of the Declaration of Independence, printing and publishing in colonial times, select bibliography, author's note)(Picture book-biography. 6-10)

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February 1, 2025
Grades 1-4 "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.

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