Book: Noughts and Crosses
Author: Malorie Blackman
Pages: 445
Publisher: Corgi; New Ed edition
Reviewed by: Kat (Age 20)
Amazon.com Price: $10.47
Purchase: Here

Noughts and Crosses turns the world of racism on it's head creating an alternate world much like our own - where blacks (crosses) are the ruling class and whites (noughts) the lower. In this world segregation is common and few white children are allowed to attend schools.

Callum is white and Sephy is black. The two have been friends since diapers and don't care about the differences in their skin colors like the world does. When Callum passes a test and becomes one of four white children allowed to attend her school, Sephy is excited to have her best friend so close to her but soon realizes the two will have to fight for a world where they can be together, a world where black and white isn't right and wrong.

Noughts and Crosses is a compelling book that shows just how heartless, tragic and pointless racism is by simply reversing the roles. With tones of Romeo and Juliet the reader longs for our two heroes to be allowed to be together and love one another, though we wonder if this can ever be a possibility.

The story drives ahead at breakneck speed before reaching a shocking and unexpected conclusion. This is a book you won't easily forget and one you must read.

Noughts and Crosses is officially added to my list of favorite novels.

Watch out for the sequels: Knife Edge, Checkmate and An eye for an eye