What’s more, the character of Libby also explores the way in which history is taught in regard to race, and the issues of not teaching Black British history in schools. I watched as they all tried to negotiate their way up to the top of the star and back down again, each team still holding hands.

and Jessica Strange (2002) and she has written many reader books for early and more confident readers. because while the book was excellent, it wasn't always enjoyable - the pacing was only bearable because I read the book in a couple of long sittings; I'm also not convinced I'm a fan of Blackman's writing style – she may have been a YA trailblazer but that doesn't stop her writing from succumbing to the pitfalls of YA clich��. Many of the situations and insults depicted are commonplace in real life, but Blackman reverses it for her fictional world in which white people are the victims.Unfortunately, a side effect of this fleshing-out of characters and structure means that the book is still slower-paced than the superior original of the series. I just feel like the direction of the story has taken such a sharp turn from Noughts and Crosses, it’s completely not even the same story and I’m so disappointed.

Checkmate once again explores the lasting impact of prejudice, discrimination and the legacy of traumatic family history on the next generation in the author's brilliantly imagined world. I used to get told off for daydreaming so often, which is ironic, because that’s how I make my living! Sky News reported her comments under the inaccurate headline “Children’s books ‘have too many white faces’” and Blackman was bombarded with death threats against herself and her family.A highly original novel in verse, Cloud Busting depicts the heartrending struggle of two boys who are trying to maintain their friendship under the stress of peer pressure and bullying. In 2013 she became the UK’s eighth children’s laureate and immediately made headlines with a campaign to improve diversity in children’s books.