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25 Years of Noughts & Crosses: A Timely Reflection on Racism

3/6/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman celebrates its 25th anniversary and addresses racism and class in a dystopian Britain, inspired by the death of Stephen Lawrence.
It remains relevant as the murder of George Floyd highlighted ongoing societal issues.
Despite initial progress after Black Lives Matter, recent reports show a decline in children’s books with Black protagonists.

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Story summary

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman celebrates its 25th anniversary and addresses racism and class in a dystopian Britain, inspired by the death of Stephen Lawrence.
It remains relevant as the murder of George Floyd highlighted ongoing societal issues.
Despite initial progress after Black Lives Matter, recent reports show a decline in children’s books with Black protagonists.