The former children’s laureate on the end of the Noughts & Crosses series, why her memoir is the hardest book she’s written, and her soft spot for murder detective games
After 82 rejections from publishers, Malorie Blackman’s first book came out in 1990. The 60-year-old from south-east London has since written more than 70 books, mainly for children and young adults, including the Noughts & Crosses series, a regular in lists of the nation’s favourite titles. She was also children’s laureate from 2013 to 2015. Blackman’s latest is her autobiography, Just Sayin’: My Life in Words.
So, more than 70 books… Do you keep count?
Do you know what? I don’t. I know it’s over 70, but I’ve lost track. And I thought to sit there and tick them all off just seemed a bit pitiful.
