Checkmate

Author: Malorie Blackman

Format: Paperback

Recommended for ages 12+

'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling could be' — Stormzy

'Malorie's Noughts & Crosses series is the first time I saw myself in a book . . . they were pacey, exciting, rich. What Malorie Blackman has always done so brilliantly is put the minority front and centre, both in society and politics.' — Candice Carty-Williams

'The most original book I've ever read' — Benjamin Zephaniah

'Malorie Blackman is absolutely amazing ... [Noughts & Crosses] really spoke to me, especially as a woman of dual heritage.' — Zawe Ashton

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My name is Callie Rose.
My mum is a Cross - one of the so-called ruling elite.
My dad was a Nought. My dad was a murderer. My dad was a terrorist.

These facts are the only things that are mine and real. So I don't mind so much that I'm leaving it all behind. There's nothing here worth holding onto.

Sixteen years have passed since Sephy Hadley first met Callum McGregor - and the hate that divided them turned to hope. But the world hasn't changed quickly enough for their daughter, Callie Rose.

Growing up dual heritage in a world where bitter prejudice divides Noughts and Crosses has meant she's an outsider wherever she turns.

Enter Jude McGregor. Jude teaches Callie about her real family history, and the more she learns the more he persuades her where her loyalties really lie.

But soon Callie is caught in a trap she can't get out of - one which will have deadly consequences.

Voted as one of the UK's best-loved books, Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses series is a seminal piece of YA fiction; a true modern classic.

About the Author

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.

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