Noughts & Crosses

by Malorie Blackman

Overview

Two star-crossed lovers fight for a more just world in this searing novel with a critically-acclaimed BBC series adaptation now streaming on NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform!

Sephy is a Cross: dark-skinned and beautiful, she lives a life of privilege and power. But she’s lonely, and she burns with injustice at the world she sees around her.

Callum is a nought: pale-skinned and poor, he’s considered to be less than nothing, there to serve Crosses, but he dreams of a better life.

They’ve been friends since they were children, and they both know that’s as far as it can ever go. Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemiesólove is out of the question.

Then—in spite of a world that is fiercely against them—these star-crossed lovers choose each other.

But it comes at a price and as they prepare to protect themselves and their love, they realize that the cost will lead both of them into terrible danger...and will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534497429
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	12/01/2020
Edition description:	Media Tie-In
Pages:	496
Sales rank:	289,143
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.00(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

An award-winning British author and dramatist, Malorie Blackman is a major voice in children’s publishing, holding the post of Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2013 to 2015. She is best known for her bestselling Noughts & Crosses series as well as Pig Heart Boy, Thief!, Cloud Busting, Boys Don’t Cry, and Chasing the Stars.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 8-11-In this first volume of the series by British writer Malorie Blackman (S & S, 2005), the story opens on two childhood friends: Callum, a lower-class nought, and Sephy Hadley, a member of the privileged Crosses, England's ruling class. Noughts are white-skinned and Crosses are black. Callum's mother works for the Hadleys, and Sephy and Callum have practically grown up together. As teens, they fall deeply in love, but in this alternative English world, noughts and Crosses do not mix. As Callum and Sephy move painfully towards the sad and terrible realization that they can never be together, they struggle futilely against the forces threatening to tear them apart. While their families and friends drive the two lovers apart, Callum and Sephy's unshakeable devotion to each other remains a beacon throughout the story. Indeed, it is the only shard of light in this relentless tale of star-crossed love. Expertly read by two stage actors, Syan Blake and Paul Chequer, the story is told in brief alternating scenes. The pair deliver a gripping performance set against the backdrop of segregation, racism, and terrorism. While this is not a tragedy for the fainthearted, the production will appeal to fans of taut drama and gripping suspense.-Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

An incredible novel that is as heart-rending as it is provocative.”
–The Bookseller

From the Publisher