Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman follows the intertwined lives of Sephy Hadley, a Cross, and Callum McGregor, a nought, in a society structured around racial inequality, where Africans hold power over Europeans. As they navigate severe societal tensions, discrimination, and their evolving relationship, they confront personal and political struggles that shape their journeys toward adulthood. The reader should be aware that the text deals with sensitive topics like suicide, rape, bombings, and racial injustices.

Noughts And Crosses by Malorie Blackman is widely praised for its bold exploration of racism and systemic inequality through a compelling, alternate history narrative. Reviewers commend its strong character development and emotional depth. Criticisms include some didactic elements and occasional predictability. Overall, a thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas would find Noughts and Crosses compelling. Ideal for teens and young adults, it appeals to those interested in dystopian settings, social justice, and intricate, emotional narratives probing racial tensions and inequalities.

Emotional / Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging / Bittersweet

Malorie Blackman

Novel

Noughts and Crosses

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Noughts And Crosses Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

Noughts And Crosses Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Callum and Sephy”

Part 1, Chapters 1-15

Noughts And Crosses Part 1, Chapters 1-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Turning”

Part 2, Chapters 16-20

Noughts And Crosses Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Picnic”

Part 3, Chapters 21-24

Noughts And Crosses Part 3, Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Breakdown”

Part 4, Chapters 25-42

Noughts And Crosses Part 4, Chapters 25-42 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Split”

Part 5, Chapters 43-64

Noughts And Crosses Part 5, Chapters 43-64 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The Trial…”

Part 6, Chapters 65-74

Noughts And Crosses Part 6, Chapters 65-74 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Way It Is…”

Part 7, Chapters 75-88

Noughts And Crosses Part 7, Chapters 75-88 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “The Hostage”

Part 8, Chapters 89-103

Noughts And Crosses Part 8, Chapters 89-103 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “The Confession…”

Part 9, Chapters 104-113

Noughts And Crosses Part 9, Chapters 104-113 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “Decisions and Losing My Religion”

Part 10, Chapters 114-117

Noughts And Crosses Part 10, Chapters 114-117 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Noughts And Crosses Character Analysis

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Themes

Noughts And Crosses Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Noughts And Crosses Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Noughts And Crosses Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Noughts And Crosses Essay Topics

Noughts And Crosses

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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Book Details