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Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

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Noughts & Crosses

Noughts and Crosses (Related to this series)

Author
Malorie Blackman
Narrator
Paul Chequer, Syan Blake
Publisher
Random House
Publish Date
27 January 2011
Run Time
10 hours 43 minutes
Format
Audiobook
Genre
Children’s / Teenage fiction: Relationship stories, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism

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What to expect

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. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools... Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger...

Critics Review

  • 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

See more reviews
  • Inter-racial teenage love has never been more painful

    The Times

  • 'A crisp, well-constructed read... constantly instructive. It would make a wonderful television series.  Let's hope somebody has the courage to make it'

    Daily Telegraph

  • 'This incredibly powerful story snaps hold of the reader's mind and doesn't let go. Magnificent.'
     

    Waterstones Books Quarterly

  • 'Startling and provocative - guaranteed to help young readers see events in a different way from the cultural and historical norm with which they have grown up...   Blackman is known for her tightly plotted, fast moving fiction...  with its powerful theme of racial injustice, Noughts & Crosses engages the reader at a greater depth and in a more demanding way than any of Blackman's previous work. I read it in one sitting, reluctant to put it down, and so, I'm sure, will many young readers'

    Books For Keeps

  • 'A book which will linger in the mind long after it has been read and which will challenge children to think again and again about the cliches and stereotypes with which they are presented.... a novel that will challenge and engage people from l3 up'

    Observer

  • "A stimulating and provocative plot line that often leaves the reader chilled to the bone... Noughts and Crosses is written with the passion of an author who has a personal, chilling vision of the past, present and future.  Blackman cuts to the bone, turning the preconceived ideas of racial prejudice upside down, ensuring tht her point is well and truly made in a deeply disturbing and totally absorbing novel with a shocking climax that packs an unforgettable punch."

    Amazon.co.uk

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Details
Author
Malorie Blackman
Narrator
Paul Chequer, Syan Blake
Duration
10 hours 43 minutes
Release Date
27 January 2011
ISBN
9781446454978
Format
Audiobook
Publisher
Random House
Genre
Children’s / Teenage fiction: Relationship stories, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism

Synopsis

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. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools... Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger...

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