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Noughts & Crosses

By Malorie Blackman
Series: Noughts and Crosses
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Check link for latest rating. ( 81,310 ratings, 6,095 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is a thought-provoking young adult novel set in a dystopian world where society is divided by race and class. It focuses on the forbidden friendship and budding romance between Sephy, a member of the ruling class called 'Crosses', and Callum, a 'Nought', who belongs to the oppressed underclass. Their relationship challenges societal norms and exposes deep-seated prejudice, leading to dramatic and life-altering consequences.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate gripping, dystopian stories that challenge societal norms and explore themes of race, identity, and forbidden love. This young adult novel offers an intense, thought-provoking narrative set in a world where power and prejudice dictate destiny, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy exploring complex social issues through fiction.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, Noughts & Crosses is the incredible first novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking four-part YA series.

'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling could be' - Stormzy

Sephy is a Cross—she lives a life of privilege and power. Callum is a nought—he's considered to be less than nothing—a blanker, there to serve Crosses.

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 enemies—love is out of the question. Then—in spite of a world that is fiercely against them—these star-crossed lovers choose each other. But this is a love story that will lead both of them into terrible danger... and which will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.

Series: Noughts and Crosses

View all
  • Crossfire
    The incredible new novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking YA Noughts & Crosses series. Thirty-four years have passed since Sephy Hadley - a Cross - first met Callum McGregor - a Nought. Their love was forbidden, powerful - and deadly. Life is seemingly very different now for Noughts and Crosses - including for Sephy and Callum's families. But old...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Endgame
    The powerful conclusion to iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking Noughts & Crosses series—the series that taught a generation to think and act differently. Cross & Nought . . . Years have passed since relationships between Crosses and Noughts were forbidden, but the secret, life-changing love story of Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor has never been forgotten. Black and White ....
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    18% off
    Noughts & Crosses
    Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, Noughts & Crosses is the incredible first novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking four-part YA series. 'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling could be' - Stormzy Sephy is a Cross—she lives a life of privilege...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Double Cross
    Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, Double Cross is the incredible fourth novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking four-part YA series, Noughts & Crosses. Blackman "gets" people . . . she "gets" humanity as a whole, too — Guardian Just this once. Just this once and no more, I promise. Please let me get away...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Noughts & Crosses
    Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, Noughts & Crosses is the incredible first novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking four-part YA series. 'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling could be' - Stormzy Sephy is a Cross - she lives a life...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman has been praised for its memorable story, with The Independent describing it as unforgettable. The Guardian lauds the novel for delivering strong political messages throughout its narrative.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141378640

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 496

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Best Sellers at Book Hero Children’s, Teenage and Educational Dystopian Fiction Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Malorie Blackman Moving Day Sale Moving Day Sale: Books Moving Day Sale: Young Adult New Zealand's Best Selling Books Penguin Books Series: Noughts and Crosses Young Adult

About the Author

Malorie Blackman has written over seventy books for children and young adults. Many of her books have also been adapted for stage and television, including a major BBC production of Noughts & Crosses. Malorie has been awarded the Eleanjor Farjeon award, received an OBE, and served as Children's Laureate.

Also by Malorie Blackman

View all
  • Crossfire
    The incredible new novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking YA Noughts & Crosses series. Thirty-four years have passed since Sephy Hadley - a Cross - first met Callum McGregor - a Nought. Their love was forbidden, powerful - and deadly. Life is seemingly very different now for Noughts and Crosses - including for Sephy and Callum's families. But old...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Endgame
    The powerful conclusion to iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking Noughts & Crosses series—the series that taught a generation to think and act differently. Cross & Nought . . . Years have passed since relationships between Crosses and Noughts were forbidden, but the secret, life-changing love story of Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor has never been forgotten. Black and White ....
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Boys Don't Cry
    A hard-hitting teenage novel from the acclaimed author of the bestselling Noughts and Crosses sequence. In Boys Don't Cry, bestselling author Malorie Blackman explores the unchartered territory of teenage fatherhood. You're waiting for the postman—he's bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist—a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings, it's your old girlfriend; and...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Double Cross
    Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and The Power, Double Cross is the incredible fourth novel in iconic author Malorie Blackman's ground-breaking four-part YA series, Noughts & Crosses. Blackman "gets" people . . . she "gets" humanity as a whole, too — Guardian Just this once. Just this once and no more, I promise. Please let me get away...
    By Malorie Blackman
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • My Friend's A Gris-Kwok
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  • Robot Girl
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  • Pig-Heart Boy
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  • Betsey's Birthday Surprise
    Betsey's Birthday Surprise by the bestselling and much-loved Malorie Blackman contains four captivating stories in one book. These tales follow the adventures of Betsey Biggalow and her Barbadian life, filled with family, friends, and fun. Perfect for reading together or as a first independent chapter book, these stories offer a delightful insight into Betsey's imaginative world. Betsey Biggalow may be...
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  • Magic Betsey
    Magic Betsey brings you four stories in one book by the bestselling and much-loved Malorie Blackman. Dive into the adventures of Betsey Biggalow and explore her vibrant Barbadian life filled with family, friends, and fun. This collection is perfect for reading together or for children taking their first steps into independent chapter books. Betsey Biggalow may be small, but she's...
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  • Noughts & Crosses
    Noughts & Crosses
    Celebrate twenty-five years of Malorie Blackman's inimitable, iconic, and utterly unforgettable novel, with this ultra-luxe special edition. The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling could be - Stormzy Sephy is a Cross – she lives a life of privilege and power. Callum is a nought – he's...
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  • Ellie and the Cat
    A cautionary tale of brats, cats and a little bit of magic from much loved and best-selling author Malorie Blackman. Ellie and the Cat introduces us to Ellie, the rudest, most spoilt child her grandma has ever met. It's time that she learnt a lesson! With a little bit of magic and some help from Jolly the cat, Grandma is...
    By Malorie Blackman
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    $4200
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    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers
    A pleasingly absurd caper where kids outwit crooks, ghost are let out of the bag, and grandparents refuse to behave! From beloved and best-selling author Malorie Blackman. Grandma Gertie is rather strange. With her big square glasses and a parrot on her hat, Anna and Kasper don't know what to make of her. But Grandma's got a secret… Grandpa Bert...
    By Malorie Blackman
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