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The BBC is set to adapt Malorie Blackman's classic YA novel Noughts and Crosses for television.
The book will be adapted by Levi David Addai with Matthew Graham for a new BBC One series, produced by Mammoth Screen. The executive producers for Mammoth are Preethi Mavahalli and Damien Timmer.
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, said: “Noughts and Crosses is the definitive book for a young adult audience and the perfect fit for BBC One. Superb, high octane compulsive storytelling set within an alternative history that explores really relevant themes about race, privilege and how we treat each other."
Noughts and Crosses, the first book in the trilogy of the same name, was published by Random House Children’s in 2001. It tells the story of Sephy, a ‘Cross’, part of the black ruling class, and Callum, a ‘Nought’ so white member of the underclass. Despite society’s separation of Noughts and Crosses, Sephy and Callum fall in love and embark on a life that leads them into danger.
Blackman, who was children’s laureate between 2013 and 2015, said: “I am beyond thrilled that Noughts and Crosses will be dramatised by the BBC - it couldn't have found a better home. Callum and Sephy seem to have meant a lot to readers over the years and I’m excited at the prospect of watching them on my TV.”
The book has won several awards, including the Red House Children’s Award, and is now regarded as one of the finest YA novels written by a UK author.
Blackman’s most recent novel, Chasing the Stars, was published by Penguin Random House Children’s in April.