to understand and explore an author’s point of view What I will learn:
The story of Callum and Sephy in the novel Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman (pictured) unfolds in an alternate society where the Noughts fight for equality with the Crosses. When you read through the extract below, consider some of the themes and issues being raised by the author. Blackman herself does not hide the fact that one of her motivations in writing the book was ‘a desire to tackle the subject of racism head on’.
PREPARE
What major issues in the world today concern you? If you were to write a novel, what major issues would you like to highlight?
Extract from Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
I turned back to the sea. It shone like a shattered mirror, each fragment reflecting and dazzling. It never ceased to amaze me just how beautiful the sand and the sea and the gentle breeze on my face could be. My family’s private beach was my favourite place in the whole world. Kilometres of coastline that was all ours, with just a couple of signs declaring that it was private property and some old wooden fencing at each end, through which Callum and I had made a gap. And I was here with my favourite person. I turned to look at Callum. He was looking at me, the strangest expression on his face. ‘What’s the matter?’ ‘Nothing.’ ‘What’re you thinking?’ I asked. ‘About you and me.’ ‘What about us?’ Callum turned to look out over the sea. ‘Sometimes I wish there was just you and me and no-one else in the whole world.’ ‘We’d drive each other crazy, wouldn’t we?’ I teased. At first I thought that Callum wasn’t going to answer. ‘Sephy, d’you ever dream of just … escaping? Hopping on the first boat or plane you come across and letting it take you away.’ Tere was no mistaking the wistfully wishful tone in Callum’s voice. ‘I do …’
