Naughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is book that is a head-spinning thriller filled with twists and turns. Picture a world where instead of white people being the dominant race, they were the ones with a history of slavery. In this world, white people are treated just as our society treats black people. They are immediately suspect, looked down upon, not credited with achievements, and not allowed in black schools. In this world live Callum and Sephy. Callum is a Naught or white and lives in a shack with his family. Sephy is a Cross or black and lives a priveledged life with her prominent father and family. But the two are drawn together from childhood and soon begin a fledgling relationship.
This book is one that you will not be able to put down after a certain point. It is engrossing, amazing and gripping. The characters of Callum and Sephy are complex and vivid, while the society they live in becomes a character in the book as well. This book is eye opening, offering a unique perspective on racism in the world. Give this to kids who enjoy fast-moving thrillers, but also to those who read science fiction and those who enjoy deep books that will make them think.
This is the first in a series. They are released in England first where the third book has just arrived. So we have a lot to look forward to!