Noughts and Crosses

A unique twist on the age old Romeo and Juliet, I loved this and was eager to read what the students had been reading. Another page turner and full of twists and turns. It tackles many subjects, ages, race, ethnicity and class ranking…many subjects that young students should openly discuss.

nikoletty

I found this book quite enjoyable to read although I did feel it was a little didactic which is not something I like in my reading. I can completely understand why the author wrote the book and portrayed the society in the way she did but for me it turned the book into an 'issue' book, which might be valuable and good for younger readers and provoking discussion, but didn't make me fall into the book and want to continue with the series.

BriarReads

The nail-biting beginning to a wonderful series of books

tracey.ellis13

An eye-opening book, flipping the script on racial tensions. Full of twists and turns to keep even the most reluctant readers hooked. Definitely worth a spot on your classroom bookshelf (UKS2)!

hannahkav

A book that will certainly stick in my mind. I enjoyed reading the others in this sequence too.

HannahLEFS

What a powerful book. Easy to read whilst being difficult and uncomfortable to read all at the same time. Easy to read because the writing is sharp and straight-forward, but obviously difficult because of the subject matter. A modern classic.

[email protected]

I was led to read this book by my friend who is a Secondary English Teacher. I was discussing Ghost Boys and Two Sisters: A Story of Freedom and she suggested this book next (followed by the BBC drama for the visuals). I read this book in two days - I had the ability to get immersed in it and it is one of those books where you keep wanting to read to find out what will happen to the characters next. There is a lot in the context to absorb and think about. Most striking to me, was how I struggled to see the Noughts as white and the Crosses as Black- this was a hard hit home about the power of what I have watched, read and seen all around me since growing up- how it is part of my subconscious, whether I like it or not. Whilst I could read about this in an informative, intellectual way, to actually experience that inbuilt stereotyping in myself was very powerful. This book really drums home the freedoms that we should all have a right to, but don’t. The simple freedom of all humans being seen and recognised as equal, as the same whilst of course celebrating our uniqueness!

ChloeSC

I didn't enjoy reading this book at all because it made me feel really uncomfortable, and the content was violent and scary. Saying that, it was thought provoking and very well written, but just not the feeling I want to have when I'm reading a book.

MrsBarnes1986

An interesting concept with a fascinating twist. Heartbreaking ending.

Kjames22

Engaging and challenging ideas set in an alternate reality. A difficult love story between the two protagonists presented through a dual narrative, allowing the reader to to actively understand each others' views on the world they live in. A book (whole works in fact) I would recommend to teenage and adult alike.

Tina82purple

Thought provoking concept. Strong characters and lots of suspense.

Nicky Hill

What a great pleasure to have an insight into how modern world shapes the life and delicate mindsets of younger generation. I love the theme of tragic love story and letters areangement in the novel reminds of long forgotten Tristan and Isolde story. Absolutely worthy to read!

mas19uk

Every young person should read this book; It is important. It’s about love and friendship and so much more. It is a book which explores discrimination in society by reversing traditional racial stereotypes so we see prejudice from a different perspective. It’s a great love story, a little bit like Romeo and Juliet.. Malorie Blackman is one of our greatest writers and I would recommend this, and any other book she has written.

Bevbrining

An excellent series of books. Would recommend for KS3. Lots of resources available online including a useful PDF from Amnesty International and a booklet of resources from the RSC.

ClareB6

Noughts and Crosses certainly has a gripping storyline, and explores ideas of race and class in a fresh and original way. However, I felt that the quality of the writing was at times poor, and the dialogue in particular was often unnecessarily simplistic in a way that jarred with the complexity of the subject matter. Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book to students as a pleasurable read.

KatherineBone

Wow! This book stayed with me for days after finishing it. It's a really powerful reimagining of racism, discrimination and privilege and it really made me think much more deeply about my own personal and emotional responses to each of these issues. It's not an easy read so I would probably recommend it for 16 years and upwards. I found the first few chapters quite slow going initially but it hits its stride about a third of the book in and from then, I couldn't put it down. Would love to read the next books in the series but I'm almost afraid to do so after the impact of this. Just brilliant!

Mrs Bun

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! Such a powerful story, which you are thoroughly taken on with both of the characters. Heartbreaking and utterly unfair.

HannahBaker2

A great book which explores the discrimination faced by different types of people. Really like Both main characters but related more to Callum as a realist. Would definitely recommend.

Jemmagault86

What a brilliantly written captivating read. I loved it and my daughter also enjoyed it. It made you think and challenged perception. Callum was my favorite character- I enjoyed his dialogue. I would recommend this book to be read by all.

Lisabellypop

Racism is bad. We all know this for a fact. However, many of us have never experienced it first hand and therefore have never been personally impacted by it and don't understand how pervasive it is in our society. By flipping it on its head, it brings to the forefront the reality of the daily microaggressions that people experience daily. Highly recommend for those looking to better understand the reality of everyday racism

ClarisseRLima