REVOLUTIONARY MARY

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.