Mary Katharine Goddard is not a well-known figure in the history of the Revolutionary War, though her name is the only woman’s name to appear on the Declaration of Independence. Like many activists, Mary did not set out to make her (quiet) mark on history. Inheriting and operating a printing press was an unusual circumstance for a woman, but Mary’s brother left her and her mother in charge when he pursued other ambitions. Printing was tough, physical work in the 1770s, as demonstrated in the action-filled illustrations. As the fight for independence took hold in the colonies, Mary stood by her printing business and defended the right to a free press, an act that was increasingly considered treasonous. When the need for a broadside to be printed and distributed arose, Mary was the one to set the type and produce “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” Informative end matter provides additional details about Mary Katharine Goddard, the printing history of the Declaration of Independence, and printing and publishing in colonial times. An exciting and accessible narrative with themes of feminism, activism, and freedom of the press.

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.