Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Writing Root using the book Suffragette: The Battle for Equality, which was written by David Roberts and published in 2018 to mark the anniversary of women receiving the vote. It is an illustrated information book which works chronologically through the history of suffrage, though in this sequence of learning we focus on some key events and use these to eventually plan our own campaign for a law that should be changed somewhere.

Synopsis of Text:

An exquisitely illustrated history of the women's suffrage movement, created by the New York Times-bestselling David Roberts and introduced by BBC presenter Lauren Laverne.

The year 2018 marks a century since the first women won the vote in the United Kingdom, and Suffragette tells the story of their fight. This is a tale of astounding bravery, ingenuity and strength.

David's writing is accessible and his artwork full of rich detail, bringing to life the many vivid characters of the women's suffrage movement – from the militant activist and wheelchair user Rosa May Billinghurst to the world-famous Emmeline Pankhurst, Millicent Fawcett and Emily Wilding Davison.

Covering the whole range of female and male suffragist experiences – from aristocrats to the middle and working class as well as a look at the global struggle for universal suffrage, Suffragette: The Battle for Equality makes a fantastic introduction to a fascinating topic. David Roberts' exquisite artwork and clear, exceptionally well-researched text make this the perfect gift.

This 128 page book is fully colour illustrated on every page, and has been completed with advice from June Purvis, Emeritus Professor of Women's and Gender History at the University of Portsmouth.

Text Rationale:

This narrative non-fiction book by David Roberts offers fascinating insights into the complex history of the Suffragette movement, looking beyond the stereotypes to include working-class women and diverse stories from around the world.  With strong historical links, children will develop analytical skills and explore ideas around comradeship, courage and protest. 

Links and Themes:

Feminism, women's suffrage, Emmeline Pankhurst, votes for women, protest

Date written: October 2018