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Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses: Summary

  • Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses:…

Noughts and Crosses, also known as Tic-Tac-Toe, has traditionally been seen as a lighthearted and educational game for children. However, in this Carnegie-Medal-winning sequel, the game takes on a much more significant and thought-provoking role.

The story begins with the introduction of Sephy, formally known as Persephone Hadley. Sephy is a Cross, meaning she has darker skin and is part of the privileged and influential class in society. Her father, Kamal Hadley, is the Prime Minister, and her life is one of luxury, with a grand mansion, devoted servants, and immense wealth at her disposal. Despite all of this, Sephy is plagued by feelings of emptiness and confusion about the widespread inequality and injustice surrounding her.

As a child, Sephy formed a close bond with Callum McGregor, the son of her former Nought nanny, Jasmine McGregor. Callum, like his mother, is a Nought, characterized by lighter skin and a less privileged background. Noughts, like Callum and his family, are looked down upon and treated as second-class citizens by the Crosses. This stark contrast between the two characters sets the stage for a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores themes of race, class, and discrimination.

However, Callum was not like the others, he held onto a vision of a world where everyone was treated with fairness and equality, regardless of their race. Despite the barriers and prejudice that separated the Crosses and Noughts, Sephy and Callum were able to form a close friendship.

Unfortunately, this friendship was tested when Callum was given the opportunity to attend Heathcroft, a highly regarded school reserved for the Crosses. Upon his arrival, Callum was met with hostility and discrimination from his classmates, with Sephy being one of the few exceptions who showed him kindness. Despite Sephy’s unwavering support, Callum felt isolated and marginalized, leading to a growing resentment and animosity towards the Crosses.

To make matters even more complicated and devastating, Callum’s sister Lynette McGregor tragically took her own life by throwing herself in front of a bus. This act was a result of the intense discrimination and societal rejection she faced as a Nought in love with a Cross. This heartbreaking event marked the end of Sephy’s naivete and innocence as she finally comprehended the cruel reality of society and the disapproval of any relationship between Noughts and Crosses. This tragedy served as a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained prejudice and hate that still existed within their world

Callum’s life was forever changed when his once happy and humble family crumbled right before his very eyes. The tragedy began with the death of his father, Ryan McGregor, who met his untimely demise after attempting to escape a public hanging. The cause of Ryan’s death was the electric fence that was set up as a security measure. This was the result of his crime of bombing the Dundale Shopping Centre as a part of his mission for the Liberation Militia, an underground society that defied the rules and laws imposed by the ruling entity known as the Crosses.

Adding to Callum’s heartache, his older brother Jude, who was already known for his chaotic behavior, chose to further distance himself from the family by running away from home. Jude cut off all communication with his family members in an effort to concentrate solely on the tasks assigned to him by the Liberation Militia. This sudden and complete abandonment only added to Callum’s distress and confusion about the events that had transpired in his family.

After spending several years away at Chivers, a remote boarding school, Sephy returned to her hometown filled with nostalgia and longing for the familiar comforts of home. She had officially severed ties with Callum, her childhood friend and former crush, after he joined the ranks of the Liberation Militia (LM). Despite her disappointment with Callum’s choice, Sephy still held onto the fond memories of their time together at Heathcroft, and upon her return, she clung to the hope that perhaps there was still a chance for a rekindled romance.

However, her hopes were quickly dashed when she received a letter from Callum. Rather than the love letter she had dreamed of, it was a mission statement from the LM, instructing her to surrender to their custody for the good of the movement. The realization that the person she had once cared for so deeply was now an enemy came as a painful blow, leaving Sephy to navigate the treacherous waters of a world torn apart by political strife and personal betrayals.

Her father, Kamal Hadley, who was serving as the Prime Minister, was faced with a dilemma when his daughter, Sephy, was taken hostage and held captive. The captors demanded that Kamal give into their demands in exchange for Sephy’s release. During this time, Callum, who had been a close friend of Sephy, realized that his feelings for her ran much deeper than just friendship. The intense emotions that he was feeling inside him couldn’t be contained and in a moment of passion, he and Sephy consummated their relationship.

This act of defiance caused McGregor, the leader of the captors, to have a change of heart. He saw the love that existed between Callum and Sephy and decided to help them escape from the clutches of the LM. However, they knew that they had to keep their love a secret due to the rejection and discrimination they would face from the community. They made plans to meet again on Callum’s birthday, where they could be together without fear of persecution.

Despite the challenges that they faced, Sephy and Callum continued to move forward, hand in hand. Sephy rejected any offers for an abortion and put an end to any rumors of rape that were circulating about their relationship. This strong and determined couple wanted to keep their baby and maintain a positive outlook for their future. Despite the obstacles that lay ahead, they were determined to persevere and make their love story a success.

The relationship between Sephy and Callum is central to the novel, and it is a testament to the power of love and the importance of breaking down social barriers. The two characters are able to overcome their differences and find love, despite the challenges that they face. Their love is a source of strength and courage, even in the face of adversity, and the reader is left with a sense of hope that love can conquer all. The novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in and fighting for a better future, despite the odds.

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Noughts & Crosses Summary & Study Guide

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses Summary & Study Guide Description

The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Blackman, Malorie. Noughts and Crosses. Penguin Books, 2020.

Blackman’s novel is divided into 117 chapters, each alternating between Callum and Sephy’s point of view. Callum is a nought and Sephy is a Cross. The first half of the novel takes place when Callum is 15 and Sephy is 13 and the second half picks up two years later.

Blackman begins the novel with a prologue set three years before the official start of the novel. Meggie McGregor witnesses Kamal Hadley slap his wife, Jasmine. Consequently, Meggie is fired from her job as a maid for the Hadley family. That night, Meggie and Ryan’s daughter, Lynette, disappears.

The first half of the novel centers around Callum’s and Sephy’s experience at Heathcroft School. Callum hopes that attending the traditionally Cross-only school will help him move up in the world. However, he is in for a rude awakening. Callum experiences countless instances of discrimination while at Heathcroft. Sephy does her best to defend Callum, however her good intentions often work against them.

Both Callum and Sephy are unhappy at home. Sephy envies the closeness of Callum’s family while Callum envies her family’s wealth. Callum dislikes his irritating, violent older brother Jude. Callum adores his older sister, Lynette, even though she is mentally ill. Lynette suffers from the trauma of her mysterious disappearance. She is convinced that her skin is black, that she is a Cross. Jude hates Crosses and hates Lynette for constantly claiming to be one. Sephy, on the other hand, suffers from having an alcoholic mother and an essentially absent father. She is not very close to her sister Minnie and, instead, turns to alcohol to cope with her family troubles.

The climax of the novel occurs when there is a bombing at Dundale Shopping Centre. The Liberation Militia, a nought terrorist group which Jude and Ryan are a part of, is responsible for the bombing. Callum manages to save Sephy in time. However, Ryan is found guilty of the crime and sentenced to death. Consequently, Callum gets suspended from Heathcroft and never returns. Through the help of a lawyer secretly hired by Jasmine, Ryan manages to escape the death penalty and is sentenced to life imprisonment instead. Ryan dies while trying to escape the prison.

In the meantime, Sephy and Callum become romantically involved. Callum displaces all his anger towards his father’s death onto Sephy, simply because she is a Cross. As a result, him and Sephy grow apart. Sephy decides to go to Chivers Boarding School. At Jude’s suggestion, Callum decides to join the Liberation Militia. Sephy writes Callum a letter asking him to run away from her. He opens her letter too late. Sephy drives away to Chivers as Callum runs up to her house.

The second half of the novel picks up two years later. Sephy is relatively happy at the boarding school. She is part of a dissident group. Their goal is to peacefully promote integration between noughts and Crosses. Callum, on the other hand, is a sergeant in the Liberation Militia. Jude entrusts Callum with the special mission of kidnapping Sephy. Their goal is to collect ransom money from her father, who is an important politician. After kidnapping Sephy and bringing her to a cabin in the woods, Callum realizes that he is still in love with her. He tells her so. They have sex.

Jude tells Callum they need to leave the cabin as members of their group have been arrested. Apparently, there is a mole in the Liberation Militia. Jude and Callum get into a fight because Jude believes that Callum raped Sephy, which was not part of the plan. In the midst of the chaos, Sephy manages to escape. Callum finds her in the woods and gives her directions to the nearest road. Sephy tells Callum she knows who the mole is. She recognized one of their men as an employee of her father’s.

Back at home, Sephy tells no one what really happened between her and Callum. Minnie realizes Sephy is pregnant and tells their parents. Kamal and Jasmine want Sephy to get an abortion, but Sephy refuses.

Callum and Sephy meet for one last time in the rose garden outside her home. They discuss their love for one another and decide on baby names. An alarm goes off and Callum is captured.

Kamal visits Callum in prison to present him with an ultimatum. If Callum wants to live, Sephy must abort the baby. Otherwise, Callum will hang.

Callum chooses to die. Right up until his hanging, he remains hopeful that one day there will be peace between noughts and Crosses. Sephy shouts at him from the crowd in the prison that she loves him. Sephy names her baby Callie Rose. The baby will have Callum’s last name.

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The Literary Edit

The Literary Edit

Review: Noughts and Crosses – Malorie Blackman

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

It was while I was perusing the shelves of my local Waterstones in search of the second Harry Potter book that I happened across Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman, and immediately recognised it as one of the titles from the BBC’s Big Read. I later found it at a charity shop on Northcote Road and bought it with the hope of ticking it off my list by the end of the year. Having finished The Secret Keeper, I soon began Noughts & Crosses, but due to a rather busy few weeks it took me longer than I had anticipated to finish it. Read on for my Noughts and Crosses book review…

Not dissimilar to Romeo and Juliet, Noughts & Crosses’ plot explores themes of racism, prejudice and politics and is narrated by the two main characters Sephy, a Cross, and Callum, a Nought. Having been friends since childhood, as they both grow older it soon becomes clear that living in a segregated society, in which dark-skinned Sephy is of the ruling class, compared to colourless Callum who belongs to the underclass, will not only effect their friendship but also lead to a heartbreaking climax for them both. But while the pair are both battling the racial and class politics that are part and parcel of the society on which they live, they too are fighting battles within themselves. Callum wants to make something of himself. He believes he is capable of more than what is expected of both him and the Crosses as a whole. He’s angered and insulted by the Cross government’s attempt at integration. He is desperate for equality but struggles to achieve what feels so very far out of reach. He too is angry at himself for loving Sephy – a member of the people who oppress him and the daughter of a man who is instrumental in the mistreatment of his kind. To love Sephy means to to love the source of all his pain, hatred, anger, and yet, despite her privileged position in society, Sephy is filled with shame at being a cross.

Turning racial prejudice on its head with a thought-provoking narrative for both teenagers and adults alike, Noughts and Crosses ending is powerful and poignant, and challenges the preconceived ideas that we have of society.

Buy Noughts and Crosses from Waterstones ,  Amazon , Amazon AU or download it on Audible .

Noughts and Crosses Book Summary

Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.

Sephy is a Cross — a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought — a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum — a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

Want to read a more in-depth Noughts & Crosses summary? Here you can find out more about the Noughts and Crosses characters , the  Noughts and Crosses plot summary , and a summary of Noughts and Crosses themes .

This is a great Noughts and Crosses review from The Guardian.

About Malorie Blackman

Malorie Blackman has written over fifty books and is acknowledged as one of today’s most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers. She has been awarded numerous prizes for her work, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award. Malorie has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. In 2005 she was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her contribution to children’s books, and in 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children’s literature. She has been described by The Times as ‘a national treasure’.

Malorie was the Children’s Laureate between 2013–15.

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3 comments on “Review: Noughts and Crosses – Malorie Blackman”

I read this such a long time ago and really enjoyed it. I remember it being such a page-turner!

Sarah xo Oomph London

It really is a brilliant book! xo

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"Noughts and Crosses" Summary

By Malorie Blackman

foreign language study | 55 pages | Published in 2011

Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor are two young people in love. But Sephy is a Cross, daughter of a government minister, and Callum is a Nought. In their world, Crosses and Noughts cannot be friends. Must they become enemies? Or is there hope for them -- and for their unhappy country?

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A thrilling account of a highly classified government operation gone awry, resulting in a race against time to prevent catastrophic disaster.

Table of Contents

Introduction, brief synopsis, main characters, summary of different story points, main events, themes and insights, reader's takeaway.

"Noughts and Crosses" is a gripping young adult novel written by British author Malorie Blackman. It was first published in 2001 and quickly became a bestseller and a critically acclaimed book. Set in a fictional dystopian society, the story explores themes of race, prejudice, love, and the fight for equality. With its thought-provoking narrative and complex characters, "Noughts and Crosses" provides readers with an engaging and emotional reading experience.

The story is set in an alternate world where the power dynamics of society are flipped. The ruling class, known as "Crosses," is made up of the black population, while the white population, known as "Noughts," occupies the lower social strata. The plot centers around the forbidden love between Sephy Hadley, a Cross, and Callum McGregor, a Nought.

Sephy and Callum have been friends since childhood, despite the ingrained prejudice that surrounds them. As they grow older, their bond deepens into something more, and they find themselves falling in love. However, their relationship is met with disapproval and opposition from both sides of their segregated society.

The novel explores the challenges Sephy and Callum face as they navigate the racial tensions that permeate their world. Their love is constantly tested by societal norms and the expectations placed upon them by their families and communities. As they strive to be together, they are confronted with violence, discrimination, and the harsh realities of a deeply divided society.

Chapters 1-5: Childhood Friendship

The novel begins by introducing Sephy and Callum as young children, highlighting their close friendship despite the social divide that separates them. It also introduces the concept of the "noughts" and "crosses."

Chapters 6-10: Teenage Years and Romantic Feelings

As Sephy and Callum enter their teenage years, their friendship evolves, and they begin to develop romantic feelings for one another. The barriers of their divided society become more apparent, with both experiencing opposition and prejudice.

Chapters 11-15: Family Tensions

Sephy's family disapproves of her relationship with Callum. Her mother, Jasmine, is particularly against it due to her political ambitions. Callum's family, on the other hand, supports their relationship, but they worry about the potential consequences.

Chapters 16-20: Violence and Rebellion

Violence escalates as tensions reach a breaking point. Callum's brother, Jude, becomes involved in a terrorist organization fighting for Nought rights. Callum reluctantly joins him, causing strain in his relationship with Sephy.

Chapters 21-25: Tragic Consequences

The consequences of violence and rebellion hit close to home as tragedy strikes Sephy and Callum's lives. Their relationship is put to the ultimate test as they deal with loss, grief, and the harsh realities of their segregated society.

Chapters 26-30: Fight for Equality

In the aftermath of tragedy, Sephy and Callum's determination for change grows stronger. They become actively involved in the fight for equality, putting themselves at risk and challenging the existing power structures.

  • Sephy and Callum's childhood friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
  • Sephy's family disapproves of her relationship with Callum, while Callum's family supports them.
  • Violence escalates in society, and Jude becomes involved in terrorism.
  • Tragedy strikes Sephy and Callum, testing their relationship.
  • Sephy and Callum become involved in the fight for equality.
  • Race and Prejudice: The novel explores the destructive nature of racism and prejudice, emphasizing the damaging effects of societal divisions.
  • Love and Sacrifice: Sephy and Callum's relationship highlights the power of love and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.
  • Power and Privilege: The story examines the complexities of power dynamics and the privileges enjoyed by certain groups within society.
  • Identity and Belonging: Sephy and Callum struggle with their identities and the feeling of not truly belonging to either the Cross or Nought communities.
  • Social Rebellion: The novel delves into the idea of rebellion against oppressive systems, highlighting the risks and sacrifices associated with such actions.

"Noughts and Crosses" is a captivating novel that presents a thought-provoking exploration of racism, love, and social injustice. It challenges readers to question their own biases and the power structures present in society. The characters and their struggles evoke empathy and create a lasting impact. It serves as a reminder of the importance of equality and the ongoing fight against discrimination.

"Noughts and Crosses" is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that tackles complex themes with great sensitivity. Malorie Blackman's compelling storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a must-read for young adults and audiences of all ages. It leaves readers with a renewed sense of empathy and a desire for a fairer, more inclusive society.

Noughts and Crosses FAQ

What is the genre of 'noughts and crosses'.

The genre of 'Noughts and Crosses' is young adult dystopian fiction.

Who is the author of 'Noughts and Crosses'?

The author of 'Noughts and Crosses' is Malorie Blackman.

When was 'Noughts and Crosses' first published?

'Noughts and Crosses' was first published in 2001.

What is the setting of 'Noughts and Crosses'?

'Noughts and Crosses' is set in an alternative history where African people (Crosses) have gained power over the European population (Noughts).

What is the main conflict in 'Noughts and Crosses'?

The main conflict in 'Noughts and Crosses' is the societal and racial divide between the Noughts and Crosses, and the fight for equality and justice.

Are there any sequels or spin-offs to 'Noughts and Crosses'?

Yes, there are several sequels and spin-offs to 'Noughts and Crosses' including 'Knife Edge', 'Checkmate', 'Double Cross', and 'Crossfire'.

Is 'Noughts and Crosses' suitable for young readers?

While 'Noughts and Crosses' is classified as young adult fiction, it does deal with some mature themes such as racism and discrimination, so parental discretion is advised for younger readers.

Has 'Noughts and Crosses' been adapted into any other media?

Yes, 'Noughts and Crosses' has been adapted into a television series that aired in 2020.

What are some similar books to 'Noughts and Crosses'?

'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth, and 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry are some similar books to 'Noughts and Crosses' in terms of their dystopian themes and focus on social issues.

Is 'Noughts and Crosses' part of a larger series?

Yes, 'Noughts and Crosses' is the first book in a series of novels by Malorie Blackman.

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Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman - review

WARNING: NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS

The first book in a superb trilogy of discrimination and injustice, set in a world where black is right and white is wrong, comes the story of two lovers, fighting against the world to be together. Sephy (daughter of one of the leading Crosses) and Callum (a lowly Nought, whose mother was Sephy's nanny) are two best friends who eventually fall in love, and their journey together as they try to pick up the pieces after a bomb goes off.

What I enjoyed most about Noughts and Crosses were the characters- so beautifully drawn that you can really believe that these people exist. Sephy and Callum are compelling and captivating, warm and tender.

Being a thought-provoking and powerful novel, it isn't one that you can just decide to pick up and read; make sure you are in the right mind frame so that you are able to appreciate the complexity of the plotline, and the simplicity of the message being put across. Sometimes distressing, sometimes disturbing, sometimes heartfelt, I assure you that once you begin this read, you will definitely see it through to the end and that it will linger in the mind long after finished.

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Noughts and Crosses

By malorie blackman, noughts and crosses summary and analysis of the turning, the picnic, and the breakdown.

THE TURNING

After an infuriating school day of hearing about how Crosses are superior, Callum learns from Shania that Sephy was beaten up. He runs to her house, where Sarah Pike , Jasmine’s nought secretary, confirms that Sephy was hurt. Mrs. Hadley sends Callum away, blames him for Sephy’s injuries, and bans him from the property. Sephy’s older sister, Minerva, tries to get her to share who hurt her, but Sephy refuses—the two have a tense relationship, and Sephy calls her “Minnie” to bother her.

When Sephy returns to school five days later, she joins Callum’s Math class (his favorite subject), but she tells the teacher, Mrs. Paxton, that she can’t sit next to him because she was told not to sit with noughts. Sephy is angry that Callum didn’t visit her, then shocked to learn that he did visit every day, he just wasn’t allowed through the gate. They meet on their private beach that evening, and Sephy apologizes for missing their picnic at Celebration Park. Callum asks her what she remembers about the last time they went, during the summer. She says that it was a lovely day, but Callum’s memory is slightly different.

Sephy and Callum each recount the train journey to Celebration Park earlier that year. Callum is always unsure whether Sephy will actually show up; Sephy is annoyed that Callum never looks happy to see her. Sephy buys first-class tickets for them, but Callum is ID’d and interrogated by police officers, who insult him and are about to kick him off the train before Sephy intervenes. The police treat her respectfully, not even looking at her ID when she offers it. Callum tries to not hold Sephy responsible for how all Crosses treat all noughts, but it doesn’t really work. His memory of the day is permanently colored by his treatment by the police. He doesn’t want to hate Sephy, so he pushes his rage down deep.

Continuing their conversation on the beach, Sephy asks if Callum is remembering the train journey. He evades her questions, and she’s annoyed that he won’t just say what he wants to say. When Callum asks, Sephy names the three girls who beat her up. Callum is upset, but when Sephy touches his face, they genuinely apologize to each other.

Callum returns home to find Jude yelling at Lynette—for the first time, Lynette is yelling back. Meggie is out of the house, and Ryan’s attempts to stop the fight fail until he slaps Jude, shocking everyone. Ryan reveals Lynette’s traumatic incident: three years ago, Lynette and her boyfriend were beaten almost to death by noughts because they were an interracial couple. Lynette, bleeding from her altercation with Jed, snaps out of her confusion and asks where Jed is. When he sees how lost his father and brother look, Callum realizes that he shares their hopes, fears, hates, and confusion.

Sephy asks her mother, who is drinking wine as usual, if she can have a birthday party—she plans to invite Callum and do something about racial inequality. Callum hears his parents fighting about Alex Luther (a nonviolent activist), the L.M., and what kind of protest is right. Sephy calls him using their secret phone signal and invites him to her party, and he reluctantly agrees. That night, Sephy realizes that the party is a bad idea; eventually she rescinds her invitation and apologizes to Callum for using him.

At school, Callum gets into trouble in History by arguing with Mr. Jason that noughts contributed to social, economic, and scientific development—they’re just not reported in the history books, which are written by Crosses. He’s sent to the headmaster’s office, where he overhears Mrs. Paxton arguing in favor of making Heathcroft a haven for nought students (which the headmaster, Mr. Costa, is against). Mrs. Paxton reveals to Callum that Mr. Jason is hard on Callum because he’s half-nought himself.

At home, Sephy and Minerva overhear their parents fighting. Sephy learns that her father is currently having an affair, that he has a son from before he met Jasmine, and that Jasmine had an affair in the past as well. Sephy feels like nothing in her life is stable anymore. She runs to the private beach and sees that Callum is already there. Sephy apologizes for Mr. Jason, and they agree that growing up is hard. That night, Lynette talks to Callum seriously for the first time in a while. She doesn’t have much hope that things will change, and she misses being insane.

At school, Callum confronts Mr. Jason about getting a low grade in History despite doing well on tests. He mentions Mr. Jason’s mixed heritage, and Mr. Jason is enraged, saying that every time he looks at Callum, he thanks God he’s not a nought. When Sephy tries to talk to Callum, he dismisses her, and she sees that his expression has the exact same rage as Mr. Jason’s.

That night, Lynette tells the family she’s going for a walk. The McGregors learn hours later from the police that Lynette stepped in front of a bus. Meggie blames the men, and their fight with Lynette the other day, for Lynette’s death. At Sephy’s house, Sephy and Minerva argue before realizing that their mother has taken a bottle of sleeping pills in an attempt to kill herself.

Callum is unable to cry, even when he finds a letter from Lynette explaining that her death was intentional—she just couldn’t take the real world anymore. He rips up the letter and, for the first time, hates his sister. She gave up. Sephy and Minerva wait in a very fancy hospital for news of their mother, and when Kamal’s secretary, Juno Ayelette, berates them for calling 911—making this a public scandal—Minerva breaks Juno's phone and calls her an insensitive cow.

A week later, after no school and no tears, Callum attends a busy funeral for Lynette at his house. Jude is drinking, and Ryan meets with mysterious men who give him a piece of paper. When Sephy arrives to give her sympathies, she’s yelled at by Jude, Ryan, and even Harry, her old driver who was fired after the school riot. Callum doesn’t intervene when she’s told to leave. Callum hears Ryan tell Meggie that his ineffectual days are over.

Sephy and Callum meet on their private beach later, where Sephy apologizes. This is growing up, they decide. After some hesitation, Callum puts an arm around her, and they watch the waves.

These three sections cover a lot of pivotal moments for Sephy and Callum, particularly their memories of their picnic in Celebration Park over the summer. Where Sephy remembers a "wonderful" day with one mishap, Callum remembers a horrible experience that ruined his day and forced him to shove his rage deep, deep down. Callum's rage is only calmed by physical touch, and usually by women: Lynny, Meggie, and Sephy (like when she touches his face at the start of "The Breakdown" and he calms down enough for them to apologize to each other). When Lynette kills herself, Callum hates her for giving up, though this rage—like his rage at Sephy—is displaced, and at a larger issue, not his sister.

One device worth noticing in these sections is Blackman's use of parallel scenes. When Callum is experiencing one thing, Sephy is often in a similar situation, with slight changes that emphasize the differences in their lives and perspectives. While Lynette talks to Callum for the first time in a long while, Sephy talks to Minerva about her parents' infidelities. Shortly after, Lynette kills herself, and Jasmine attempts to do the same. These parallel scenes demonstrate that terrible things can happen regardless of privilege, but that the situations around those events are affected by access and social status.

Another rhetorical device used throughout these three sections is mirrored expressions. After Lynette and Jude fight, Callum looks at Ryan and Jude, then catches a glimpse of himself in a mirror. He realizes that his face has exactly the same expression as theirs. Because he sees this, he realizes that he has the same hopes and fears as they do. Visually confronting this fact forces him to identify with his male family members, perhaps foreshadowing all three of their eventual involvements in race-based violence with the L.M. There is a similar moment observed by Sephy, where she sees Mr. Jason's face, then sees Callum and notices that "the expression on his face mirrored that of Mr Jason. Exactly." While this could allude to Mr. Jason's half-nought heritage, it more likely refers to Callum snapping at her in an unfair, reactionary way, much like how Mr. Jason unfairly treats Callum.

Mr. Jason's History class was inspired by Blackman's own experiences. Callum's frustration at noughts not being taught in History is partially inspired by Blackman's real-life frustration at not being taught about black pioneers, scientists, and inventors during her own time in school. All of the African-American/Cross scientists mentioned in that scene were real people, Blackman explains in an author's note, and despite their numerous accomplishments, she learned about none of them.

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Noughts and Crosses Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Noughts and Crosses is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

noughts and crosses page 94

tentative: not certain or fixed; provisional.

What are the similarities and differences between the two families?

Callum McGregor and Persephone “Sephy” Hadley are from different worlds. She is a Cross, dark-skinned, wealthy, and privileged; he is a nought, the light-skinned lower class that was once enslaved by Crosses. Sephy’s father, Kamal, is the Home...

Which unpleasant event was Sephy forced to attend?

Sephy was forced to attend Ryan's execution.

Study Guide for Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses study guide contains a biography of Malorie Blackman, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Noughts and Crosses
  • Noughts and Crosses Summary
  • Character List

Essays for Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman.

  • Racial Superiority as a Mere Pigment of the Imagination: Prejudice in 'Noughts and Crosses'

Wikipedia Entries for Noughts and Crosses

  • Introduction
  • Nought and Crosses
  • Double Cross

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Noughts And Crosses

61 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-15

Part 2, Chapters 16-20

Part 3, Chapters 21-24

Part 4, Chapters 25-42

Part 5, Chapters 43-64

Part 6, Chapters 65-74

Part 7, Chapters 75-88

Part 8, Chapters 89-103

Part 9, Chapters 104-113

Part 10, Chapters 114-117

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Part 2: “The Turning”

Part 2, chapters 16-20 summary.

Callum is told about Sephy’s attack by another nought student, who tells him, “Serve[s] her right!” since “that Sephy Hadley thought she’d play Lady Magnanimous and sit with us” (88). He rushes over to Sephy’s house to check on her. Sephy’s mother refuses to let him in and tells him never to come back again.

Sephy recovers at home. Her sister Minnie wants to know who attacked Sephy so she can make sure they know that attacking a Hadley will have consequences. Sephy vows to get revenge on her attackers.

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Callum is doing well in his math class, which is the one class where the teacher is not treating him poorly for being a nought. Sephy returns to school five days after her attack. The only empty seat in the class is next to Callum, so she sits next to Callum reluctantly. She refuses to make eye contact with him. Callum prays to the Cross God, asking that his relationship with Sephy not be ruined.

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Noughts and Crosses

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  1. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman Plot Summary

    Intro Noughts and Crosses Summary Next Prologue Best friends Callum and Sephy are at their secret spot on the beach, where they kiss to see what it's like. Sephy is almost 14 and is thrilled that 15-year-old Callum will be attending her school this year to integrate it.

  2. Noughts And Crosses Summary and Study Guide

    Overview Noughts and Crosses is the first in a series of six novels and three novellas by British author Malorie Blackman. The story chronicles the coming-of-age of best friends Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor.

  3. Noughts and Crosses Summary

    Buy Study Guide Noughts and Crosses Summary Callum McGregor and Persephone "Sephy" Hadley are from different worlds. She is a Cross, dark-skinned, wealthy, and privileged; he is a nought, the light-skinned lower class that was once enslaved by Crosses.

  4. Noughts and Crosses Study Guide

    Intro Plot Summary & Analysis Themes Quotes Characters Terms Symbols Theme Viz Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Noughts and Crosses makes teaching easy. Everything you need for every book you read. "Sooo much more helpful than SparkNotes. The way the content is organized

  5. Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses, #1) by Malorie Blackman

    Noughts and Crosses #1 Noughts & Crosses Malorie Blackman 4.19 73,001 ratings5,439 reviews Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society. Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class.

  6. Noughts and Crosses Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

    Prologue Noughts and Crosses: Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis Next Chapter 2 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis It's now three years later, and Sephy is enjoying a beautiful August afternoon on the beach with her best friend, Callum. Callum, though, asks out of the blue if he can kiss her, just to see what it's like.

  7. Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses: Summary

    Noughts and Crosses, also known as Tic-Tac-Toe, has traditionally been seen as a lighthearted and educational game for children. However, in this Carnegie-Medal-winning sequel, the game takes on a much more significant and thought-provoking role. The story begins with the introduction of Sephy, formally known as Persephone Hadley. Sephy is a Cross, meaning she has

  8. Noughts & Crosses Summary & Study Guide

    Penguin Books, 2020. Blackman's novel is divided into 117 chapters, each alternating between Callum and Sephy's point of view. Callum is a nought and Sephy is a Cross. The first half of the novel takes place when Callum is 15 and Sephy is 13 and the second half picks up two years later.

  9. Review: Noughts and Crosses

    Turning racial prejudice on its head with a thought-provoking narrative for both teenagers and adults alike, Noughts and Crosses ending is powerful and poignant, and challenges the preconceived ideas that we have of society. Buy Noughts and Crosses from Waterstones , Amazon, Amazon AU or download it on Audible. Noughts and Crosses Book Summary

  10. Noughts and Crosses Study Guide

    Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses is a young-adult novel set in a parallel world in which the native people of Africa (Cafrique in the novel) colonized the rest of the world. Crosses (dark-skinned descendants of people from Cafrique) are socially and economically dominant, while noughts (light-skinned descendants of people from Europe) had formerly been enslaved and while recently freed ...

  11. Noughts and Crosses Summary

    Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor are two young people in love. But Sephy is a Cross, daughter of a government minister, and Callum is a Nought. In their world, Crosses and Noughts cannot be friends. Must they become enemies? Or is there hope for them -- and for their unhappy country? ISBN_13: 9781534497429 ISBN_10: Chat with book (AI)

  12. Noughts & Crosses (novel series)

    Callum McGregor is a Nought, and they used to play together when Jasmine Adeyebe-Hadley, Sephy's mother, employed Meggie McGregor, Callum's mother, as a nanny. Ever since Jasmine fired Meggie, however, Sephy and Callum's friendship has been secret, as such interracial friendships are frowned upon by society.

  13. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

    . Dark-skinned Crosses are privileged in society over the light-skinned noughts. Against the odds, the main characters, Sephy and Callum, fall in love across the divide which leads them into...

  14. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

    Malorie Blackman children's user reviews <p>ID BMDH: 'A brilliant novel that will really make you feel for the characters. It will make you cry, laugh and cry some more'</p>

  15. Noughts And Crosses Part 1, Chapters 1-15 Summary & Analysis

    Malorie Blackman 61 pages • 2 hours read Malorie Blackman Noughts And Crosses Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001 A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. Download PDF Access Full Guide Study Guide

  16. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

    Sephy (daughter of one of the leading Crosses) and Callum (a lowly Nought, whose mother was Sephy's nanny) are two best friends who eventually fall in love, and their journey together as they try ...

  17. Noughts and Crosses Series by Malorie Blackman

    Noughts & Crosses Shrinkwrap Set: Books 1 and 2 of the Noughts & Crosses Series by Malorie Blackman 4.47 · 58 Ratings · 5 Reviews · published 2012 · 2 editions

  18. Noughts and Crosses The Turning, The Picnic, and The Breakdown Summary

    Summary. THE TURNING. After an infuriating school day of hearing about how Crosses are superior, Callum learns from Shania that Sephy was beaten up. He runs to her house, where Sarah Pike, Jasmine's nought secretary, confirms that Sephy was hurt. Mrs. Hadley sends Callum away, blames him for Sephy's injuries, and bans him from the property.

  19. Noughts and Crosses Character Analysis

    Callum McGregor One of the protagonists and a nought, the novel follows Callum from age 15 to 19. He's been best friends with Sephy for her entire life, but in the novel's present, the two can… read analysis of Callum McGregor Sephy Hadley One of the protagonists, the novel follows privileged Cross Sephy from age 13 to 17.

  20. Noughts And Crosses Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

    Part 2, Chapters 16-20 Summary. Callum is told about Sephy's attack by another nought student, who tells him, "Serve [s] her right!" since "that Sephy Hadley thought she'd play Lady Magnanimous and sit with us" (88). He rushes over to Sephy's house to check on her. Sephy's mother refuses to let him in and tells him never to come ...

  21. Sar!'s review of Noughts & Crosses

    5/5: words can't describe how much i love this book, i remember reading it when i was about 13 and it's actually what got me into reading. i love the aspect of sephy and callum's forbidden romance, honestly first book i've cried to and that takes alot...maybe bc i could relate to sephy alot of ways. i just love the noughts and crosses series but THIS first book. yeah. just does it for me

  22. Noughts and Crosses Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

    Chapter 4 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Sephy shuts down her computer. Tomorrow is the first day of school, and she's not excited for it. She is excited that four noughts, including Callum, will start at her school. As she creeps downstairs for a drink, she asks God to let Callum be in her class and imagines showing him around the school.

  23. Andy reads a lot on Instagram: "#SundayLitQuiz time! Enjoy it, I'm

    places_and_books on February 18, 2024: "#SundayLitQuiz time! Enjoy it, I'm taking a little quiz break now for a few weeks. 邏 Twenty..."

  24. Noughts and Crosses Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

    Chapter 1 Noughts and Crosses: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis Next Chapter 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Standing outside his house, Callum closes his eyes and tells himself he lives somewhere grand. But when he opens his eyes, his house is still a "rundown hovel." Callum pushes the shame and anger down and walks in the front door.

  25. Noughts and Crosses Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

    Chapter 10 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Mother opens Sephy 's bedroom door to tell her that Mr. Hadley is on TV. Sephy rolls her eyes—she's not five—but turns on her TV. Mr. Hadley is saying that change in society should be slow, even when Minister Pelango says that noughts have more rights in other PEC countries than they do here.