Review of Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman a novel for 12+ but don't for one moment let this put you off. It is a 'crossover' book in that it appeals to both children and adults. Having read a number of 'crossover' books this is certainly one of my favourites. In this book the rolls are reversed. White people (Noughts) are the underclass with no legal rights and black people (Crosses) are the elite/ruling class. It tells the story of Callum (a Nought) and Sephy (a Cross) and their struggle to be friends in a world that disapproves. A remarkable book dealing with many issues including race, prejudice, teenage love, alcoholism, terrorism and mental illness. Stimulating and provocative.

Tony Riley