Malorie Blackman Books & Reviews

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Malorie Blackman

5 stars across 103 books

Malorie Blackman is one of the UK’s most influential authors for young people. From 2013-2015, she was the eighth Children’s Laureate and she has been awarded an OBE as well as several literary awards. The exciting yet relatable plots that feature in many of her books have millions of readers of all ages hooked on her stories.

Blackman started out life as a systems programmer following a degree in Computer Science and switched to writing aged 28. Since the publication of her first book in 1990, she has written over sixty books, as well as several TV episodes including for the latest series of Dr. Who, starring Jodie Whittaker. In addition to her own writing, Blackman also did a lot of work during her time as Children’s Laureate to inspire young people to write. She was instrumental in setting up the first YALC (Young Adult Literature Convention) and ran a nationwide creative writing competition for teens.

Blackamn is probably best known for her series for young adults Noughts and Crosses. Published in 2001, Noughts and Crosses was critically acclaimed and won the Red House Children’s Award. The dystopian novel is set in an alternate reality where African people who have made Europeans their slaves, turning traditional racial prejudice on its head. The story follows star-crossed lovers Callum and Sephy: two young people divided by their colour in the racist society they live in, but who cannot live without each other. Blackman went on to write three more books in the series, with a highly anticipated fifth book – Crossfire - due out this year. The series caught the imagination of young people everywhere and quickly became a bestseller. It is currently running on the West End stage and is being adapted into a BBC series coming later this year starring Stormzy, amongst others, who describes himself as “a diehard fan of Malorie's novels”. Although social issues run throughout many of Blackman’s book, this was the first time she had written about racism, inspired by personal experiences, such as needing a plaster one day and realising that they are pink so that they don’t show on white skin.

Malorie Blackman’s thought-provoking books are often studied or recommended at school. She is not afraid to write about the big issues that young people can face – we love Boys Don’t Cry from 2010, a tale about teenage fatherhood and Pig-Heart Boy from 2004, the moving story of a boy waiting for a heart transplant, which many people know from its BAFTA winning TV adaptation.

Whatever your age, she has a book for you. Try picture book Jessica Strange for the very young, Hacker for kids aged 9-12 and adults and teenagers should definitely start the Noughts and Crosses series before it comes to TV.

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Publication Date

Series

Noughts & Crosses

6th April 2017

Noughts & Crosses

Now a major TV series on the BBC'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me jus... MoreNoughts & Crosses

(34 reviews) Review

Hacker

5th February 2004

Hacker

THIS IS THE SYSTEM OPERATOR. WHO IS USING THIS ACCOUNT? PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF... Vicky's life is completely normal. M... MoreHacker

(26 reviews) Review

Pig-Heart Boy

5th February 2004

Pig-Heart Boy

A powerful story about friendship, loyalty and family around this topical and controversial issue' - Guardian'An engross... MorePig-Heart Boy

(25 reviews) Review

We're Going to Find the Monster

2nd September 2021

We're Going to Find the Monster

A rip-roaring picture book adventure from superstar pairing Malorie Blackman and Dapo Adeola.Over the shimmering ocean, ... MoreWe're Going to Find the Monster

(15 reviews) Review

Ellie and the Cat

15th January 2019

Ellie and the Cat

A cautionary tale of brats, cats and a little bit of magic from much loved and best-selling author Malorie ... MoreEllie and the Cat

(10 reviews) Review

Nought Forever: World Book Day 2019

28th February 2019

Nought Forever: World Book Day 2019

A powerful new Noughts & Crosses story from legendary author Malorie Blackman, written for World Book Day 2019 ... MoreNought Forever: World Book Day 2019

(9 reviews) Review

Cloud Busting: Puffin Poetry

1st September 2005

Cloud Busting: Puffin Poetry

Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top o... MoreCloud Busting: Puffin Poetry

(8 reviews) Review

Thief!

5th February 2004

Thief!

You're the new girl in school. You're just trying to fit in - and it's not working. Then someone accuses you of theft, a... MoreThief!

(6 reviews) Review

Knife Edge

6th April 2017

Knife Edge

'The Noughts & Crosses series are still my favourite books of all time and showed me just how amazing story-telling coul... MoreKnife Edge

(6 reviews) Review

My Friend's a Gris-Kwok

1st September 2013

My Friend's a Gris-Kwok

Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-Kwok - he can turn into any living creature he chooses. But so can... MoreMy Friend's a Gris-Kwok

(5 reviews) Review

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New Book

Gormod o ddyn

11th February 2025

(0 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Ellie and the Cat

by I❤️books

I mean like it wasn't too bad I guess but it wasn't too good.
Ellie is a spoilt, horrible little mean girl but and she has to stay over with her gran...
Noughts & Crosses

by MikeMike

This is a beautifully written, emotional novel that I would definitely recommend to people of 13+. In a world where crosses rule, teenager Persephone ...
Thief!

by MikeMike

This is a perfect, beautifully written novel by award winning, bestselling author Malorie Blackman. The whole world is after Lydia Henson for a crime ...