Malorie Blackman (born 1962) is a British author celebrated for her gripping Noughts & Crosses series, a powerful exploration of racism, power, and love in a society split by race. Born in Clapham, London, to Barbadian parents, she first trained in computer science before boldly pursuing writing full-time. Her debut, Not So Stupid! (1990), kicked off a vibrant career that has delighted young readers with over 60 books.

Building on her literary success, Blackman expanded her reach from novels to television scripts, using these platforms to tackle themes of identity, prejudice, and belonging. In 2013, she became the UK’s Children’s Laureate, the first Black writer to hold the title, advocating for diversity and representation in literature. Her work has also been adapted for stage and screen, with Noughts + Crosses turned into a BBC series in 2020.

Through these varied contributions, Blackman has earned multiple awards and an OBE for services to children’s literature. Her writing continues to inspire generations to question injustice and imagine a more equal world.

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