Noughts and Crosses approaches the sensitive and ever relevant topic of racism in a unique way: cutting to to its core, by  describing a society where black people are superior over whites. Living in this society are two childhood friends: Callum, who is white, or a ‘nought’, and Sephy, who is black, or a ‘cross’. As they grow up together, they fall in love, desperately fighting the powers of ignorance, innocence and discrimination that fuel strong social barriers.

This book illustrates and reveals how hard and deep discrimination and racist views are dug into society, and how difficult it is to break them down. Blackman does this in a readable, absorbing way; however, she uses somewhat ‘pedestrian’ language, utilizing lots of clichés and common sayings. This cast a slightly ‘cringey’ atmosphere in the book. Perhaps Blackman did this to make parts of the story more casual and relatable, but I found it to be irritating, trivializing parts that would otherwise have been serious.

You would enjoy Noughts and Crosses if you want to read a book on the topic of racism, but are looking for a light, readable way to learn about it. You would also like this book if you like Young Adult books. I would recommend this book for eleven-year-olds and older.

My Ratings (out of 10 As):

Plot/Story: AAAAAA

Writing: AAAA

Pace: Medium/Fast