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Selected by a distinguished independent panel of experts including our editorial expert, Julia Eccleshare, for Diverse Voices - 50 of the best Children's Books celebrating cultural diversity in the UK.
Michael Rosen on a compelling favourite: "A book that dared to go where no one thought you could with young audiences because it raises tough stuff to do with race."
It takes a brave author such as Malorie Blackman to consider a sequence of the like of Noughts and Crosses and to pull it off with utmost aplomb. Award-winning author Blackman has tackled the issues of racism and prejudice in a world set in an alternate historical reality. Although 11 year olds will take great joy and learn much from reading this first one in the sequence, adults will devour it with equal enthusiasm. The contrast of the two main protagonists makes the novel totally compelling and the writing style is both original and superbly paced. The plot unravels at the pace of a thriller and as a consequence it’s a book that is almost impossible to put down.
Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Synopsis
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a nought - a 'colourless' member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that's as far as it can go. Against a background of prejudice, distrust and mounting terrorist violence, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger ...
Reviews
Blackman's absorbing but alarming novel deals with themes of racism and prejudice...Unforgettable * Independent * Stimulating and emotionally satisfying * Financial Times * A gritty read for older children . . . At times this is a beautiful love story; at other times it is a harrowing and moral tale... * Bookseller * Packs some powerful political punches...But Blackman never compromises the story, which is dramatic, moving and brave * Guardian * Inter-racial teenage love has never been more painful -- Amanda Craig * The Times *About the Author
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Book Info
Publication date
6th April 2017Author
Malorie BlackmanMore books by Malorie Blackman
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Author's Website
www.malorieblackman.co.uk/Author's Facebook Latest


Publisher
Penguin Books LtdFormat
Paperback496 pages
Categories
NewGen - YA Fiction
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ISBN
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