For Women’s History Month, I have chosen Rosie Revere, Engineer because Rosie’s character is inspired by Rosie the Riveter, an important cultural icon in the United States. Rosie the Riveter represents the millions of women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, building planes, ships, and other supplies needed for the war effort. These women showed determination, skill, and courage at a time when their work was often overlooked. In the story, Rosie Revere shows the same resilience and creativity, reminding us that girls can achieve anything they set their minds to.

We have a Year 2 Writing Root for this one.

This a story about looking backwards in order to look forward. In Ojibwe culture, women are the protectors of water, and the women ancestors depicted in the text and illustrations appear as respected figures within the community – storytellers and guardians. In the present day, the young female protagonist is filled with energy and resolve: “I must rally my people together.” She stands on the shoulders of those who came before her, continuing a long lineage of water stewardship. She carries her Indigenous ancestors’ purpose into the present through her own activism against oil pipelines: the modern incarnation of the venomous black snake in an ancient prophecy.

We have a Year 2 Writing Root for this one. 

This is a visually stunning and narrative-rich tribute to Mary Anning, a working-class pioneer whose groundbreaking discoveries in the 19th century reshaped our understanding of prehistoric life. Perfect for Women’s History Month, this book offers teachers a powerful tool to challenge the historical "erasure" of female scientists, illustrating how Anning’s expertise was often overlooked by the male-dominated scientific community of her time. By sharing this story, you can inspire students with a tale of resilience and intellectual brilliance, proving that even the most overlooked voices can change the world. It’s an essential addition to any classroom library for highlighting the hidden figures who paved the way for modern science.

We have a Year 4 Reading Leaf for this one.

I’m reading Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush to celebrate the powerful, often overlooked stories of the Caribbean women who helped shape modern Britain. Through the journey connected to the historic voyage of the HMT Empire Windrush, this book highlights the courage, resilience, and determination of grandmothers and mothers whose contributions are too often left out of history. It’s a meaningful way to honour women’s voices, recognise their sacrifices, and reflect on the lasting impact they’ve had on generations to come.

We have a Year 4 Writing Root for this one.

This Women’s History Month, I’m celebrating courageous and curious young women through time! The protagonist Alva in the historical fiction mystery Riddle of the Runes by historian Janina Ramirez exemplifies these attributes perfectly. Alva is a brave and rebellious 12-year-old Viking ‘shield maiden’ who wants nothing more than to be a successful detective. Alongside her Uncle Magnus and her wolf, Fenrir, she sets out to solve mysteries hidden in ancient runes and seeks clues to find her missing father. Through Alva’s determination and intelligence, we are reminded that girls have always been adventurers, problem-solvers and leaders and that they have important stories to tell in both history and in fiction everywhere.

We have a Year 4 Writing Root for this one.

Elizabeth Sancho (Lizzie) was one of the daughters of the African British writer, composer, and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho. Dido Belle (Belle) was the daughter of Maria Bell, a young African woman who had been enslaved in the Caribbean, and John Lindsay, a British captain in the Royal Navy. Dido was raised as an aristocratic gentlewoman at Kenwood House, Hampstead, by her Great Uncle and Aunt, Lord and Lady Mansfield. Lord Mansfield was the Lord Chief Justice of England and ruled on key cases concerning the status of enslaved people in Britain.

I love that J.T Williams has brought two real people in history and imagined a wonderful friendship between them, placing them at the centre of the narrative during this time.

We have a Year 5 Writing Root for this one.

I recently refreshed the writing root for Anne Frank by Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett and, in doing so, spent a lot of time reading about Anne and her life. We all know the story of Anne Frank but what struck me most in reading her diary was her human-ness. So often, women and girls of history are given heroic status and remembered more for their achievements than their individuality. Anne's diary reminded me that she was just a teenage girl living courageously through extraordinary and terrifying times.

We have a Year 5 Writing Root for this one. 

When people think of the Space Race, a few names usually come to mind: Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin... But this book shifts the spotlight to four remarkable women whose contributions were just as vital. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were African-American mathematicians whose extraordinary skills were behind some of NASA’s greatest achievements. In this engaging and accessible account, Margot Lee Shetterly brings their contributions out of the shadows and into the spotlight for young readers. 

We have a Year 5 Writing Root for this one. 

Growing up, I was a huge fan of My Fair Lady and Roman Holiday, and would attempt to fashion my hair into Audrey Hepburn’s signature beehive. What originally captivated me was the glamour. What I didn't know was the extraordinary story behind the hollywood icon. Tom Palmer's 'Resist' brings that history to life for younger readers. Set in Nazi occupied Netherlands during the Second World War, it explores the courage of the Dutch resistance and Audrey Hepburn’s childhood, shaped by hunger, loss and quiet acts of bravery. Through Edda’s story, young readers are introduced to complex history with sensitivity. The realities of war are not softened, but they are presented in ways that are accessible, age appropriate and deeply human. For upper KS2 readers, it creates space to grapple with courage, injustice and moral choice in a way that feels empowering. It's the perfect book to pick up this Women’s History Month and beyond. Highly recommend!

We have a Year 6 Writing Root for this one.

This retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s 1845 classic not only gives the little match girl a name, but also a voice. Bridie, our defiant and resilient narrator, tells a story of class struggle and coming together to demand better. This version is inspired by the real-life Bryant and May matchstick factory in London, which employed thousands of women and girls who were paid poorly and exposed to serious health risks. Emma Carroll’s writing paired with Lauren Child’s illustrations made this a fresh and endlessly compelling take on a Victorian fairy tale. 

We have a Year 6 Reading Leaf for this one.

This book is a powerful reminder that women’s rights were fought for, not given. A perfect read for Women’s History Month, celebrating courage, activism, and the ongoing journey towards equality.

We have a Year 6 Writing Root for this one.

Having taught as a primary teacher for many years I have seen first-hand the impact of education, and I will continue to advocate for equal access to learning. Women’s history month is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions women have made throughout history and it can certainly be said that Malala Yousafzai has contributed much to raising the profile of equal access to education for girls, a cause I passionately believe in. To quote Malala, her story is sadly not unique but ‘it is the story of many girls’. The Malala Fund reports that 122 million girls are out of education, which is why stories like Malala’s are crucial. I’ve chosen this book because it highlights advocacy for girls’ education and shines a light on the reality many girls face. By sharing Malala’s story we can work together to create a world in which all girls can learn.

We have a Year 6 Reading Leaf for this one.