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  • Published: 20 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241817735
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $45.00

Noughts & Crosses

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation




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 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 love story that will lead both of them into terrible danger . . . and which will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.

  • Published: 20 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241817735
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $45.00

About the author

Malorie Blackman

Malorie Blackman has written over seventy books for children and young adults, including the Noughts & Crosses series, Thief and a science-fiction thriller, Chasing the Stars. Many of her books have also been adapted for stage and television, including a BAFTA-award-winning BBC production of Pig-Heart Boy and a Pilot Theatre stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz of Noughts & Crosses. There is also a major BBC production of Noughts & Crosses, with Roc Nation (Jay-Z’s entertainment company) curating the soundtrack as executive music producer. In 2005 Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. In 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children’s literature, and between 2013 and 2015 she was the Children’s Laureate. Most recently Malorie wrote for the Doctor Who series on BBC One, and the fifth novel in her Noughts & Crosses series, Crossfire, was published by Penguin Random House Children’s in summer 2019.

Also by Malorie Blackman

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Praise for Noughts & Crosses

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.

Amazon.co.uk

A stimulating and emotionally satisfying novel, set in an alternate reality where racial stereotypes are turned upside down.

Financial Times

A gritty read for older children... A times this is a beautiful love story; at other times it is a harrowing and moral tale. Narrating believably through the voices of two teenagers, Malorie Blackman has written an incredible novel that is as heart-rending as it is provocative. I had to read it all in one sitting, and I challenge any reader not to do the same

Bookseller

'...a bruising tome and her most ambitious novel to date. An author who has worked hard not to be identified too closely with any particular genre, she has built a complex and challenging novel around an alternative version of apartheid.'

The Scotsman

'With its powerful theme of racial injustice, Noughts and Crosses engages the reader at a greater depth and in a more demanding way than any of Blackman's previous work.'

Books For Keeps

'...is an ambitious big novel about human rights, with a clever twist that keeps readers engrossed simply because - disturbingly - one finds it hard to come to terms with the premise that in this world the crosses, with their dark skin, are the dominant race.'

Glasgow Sunday Herald

This epic tome packs some powerful political punches to which readers will undoubtedly respond. But Blackman never compromises the story, which is dramatic, moving and brave.

Guardian

"A gripping, very thought-provoking story. . . . Readers are warned that some of the scenes are quite upsetting and shocking, but this gives the book an even more realistic feel."

LiteraTour

'A tragic tale of star-crossed lovers and plenty to ponder.'

Publishers Weekly (USA)

if you want a mind blowing book you'll find it here. Read these books and they will change your life forever.

Reading Evening Post

As someone who belives in equality, I believe this book could convert those who think otherwise.

Reform Magazine

This modern love story has everything. It is one of the best stories I've ever read and you never know what is going to happen next.

Books for Keeps

Inter-racial teenage love has never been more painful

The Times

An inspired take on Romeo and Juliet, Blackman's absorbing but alarming novel deals with themes of racism and prejudice without ever coming across as didactic. Unforgettable.

The Independent

This is one of my all time favourite books

Newcastle Upon Tyne Evening Chronicle

This is probably the best book I've ever read...This is the best book that Malorie Blackman has ever written and the story never quite leaves the mind.

The Guardian

...this book is outstanding...at times heartbreaking. The ending is powerful, beautiful and devastating and I cried like a baby.

Book Chick City