Noughts & Crosses

By: Malorie Blackman

Narrated by: Paul Chequer, Syan Blake

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...

Critic reviews

Blackman's absorbing but alarming novel deals with themes of racism and prejudice . . . Unforgettable

Stimulating and emotionally satisfying

A gritty read for older children . . . At times this is a beautiful love story; at other times it is a harrowing and moral tale...

Packs some powerful political punches...But Blackman never compromises the story, which is dramatic, moving and brave

Inter-racial teenage love has never been more painful (Amanda Craig)

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

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

'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'

'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'

"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." (Susan Harrison)

Really horrible story

Performance was good with two story tellers - story itself provides a dumb female trope. Clueless, can't find for herself, and is cool with being treated horrendously. This agenda ages poorly.

Wow!

This has been one of the most moving and culturally relevant books I have read in a long time. Captivating story, beautifully written, empowering and emotionally tragic all at once. I cried at the end of the novel and was left with a sense of WOW at the end of the book. This book needs to be a part of young adult reading curriculum in the US. Thank you Malorie Blackman for writing this story. You are a true literary artist.

Confronting story

Would you listen to Noughts and Crosses again? Why?

No, once was nice, but also enough.

What did you like best about this story?

It confronts you with your views and makes you think about the stereotypes you have.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It was nice that there were 2 narrators for the 2 main characters. However, the girl was a bit overdramatic every now and then (Syan Blake) and the boy was a bit difficult to understand here and there (Paul Chequer).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending: unexpected!

Any additional comments?

Listen to the sample first before you buy. If you like the narrators, this is definitely a story worth listening to.

Disappointed with the end

This book had a lot of promise but I cannot give it a 5 star because I will never read it again. Not a good ending.

Young adult thinker

Mostly a good plot, very good for young romantics. One of the two protagonist voices was good, one was lacking a bit. Though for middle/high school students I’ll recommend this podcast, but more so the paper book. Hits harder when you read it yourself, in my experience.