Kicking Off by Eve Ainsworth

Set in World War One, this story centres around fifteen year old Hettie. A lot of the men and boys were off fighting in the war, including Hettie's brother.  Hettie is taken on in the local munitions factory - the work is hard and dangerous. What she didn't realise is that she would become involved with women who would make sporting history - will Hettie be able to go against society's strong held opinion that women and girls should most definitely not be playing football despite the feeling that playing gives her? The freedom, camaraderie and sense of self are so freeing on the pitch but the girls have a fight on their hands to be acknowledged and recognised as the the men.

I absolutely adored this book - and i don't follow football at all. But the fact based story telling is perfect. The family dynamics are played out to a tee. Hettie's relationship with her family but her dad in particular and the portrayal of men returning from the war were so well done.

A must have in every classroom in my opinion!