Tic-Tac-Toe is a game in which you’re faced with a simple objective. It’s a game which has limited advancements and once it becomes familiar, the game is likely to end in a draw. No winner or loser! In a similar way, this novel is an illustration of the tic-tac-toe board as a society, in which your perceptions about people are dominated by prejudice and discrimination. At a glance, this novel may seem like a narration which cannot be correlated with an adolescent’s life but it impacts the reader’s perceptions on the prejudice which our society masks. Adolescence is a time when a person’s morals and opinions are formed and this novel can influence upon your judgements dramatically. Therefore it’s beyond question whether this book is suitable for year 10 students and the ReadPlus website. The relevance of this novel can also be justified through the valid themes and issues portrayed. Blackman has also conveyed a range of audacious personalities through the deep values and attitudes they embrace. The daring characterisation, the intense settings and the suspenseful turn of events captivates audience interest throughout the novel. Thus I believe that this novel is a suitable read for all adolescents.
In today’s society, themes and issues showcased through various forms of media have an immense impact upon teenagers; however this novel has managed to influence teenagers in a positive way. To begin with, the novel focuses on a range of sensitive topics such as power and prejudice in a minimalistic yet powerful way. This is clearly illustrated when Sephy says, “Like, you’re in one place and I’m in another, with a huge, great wall between us.” (P.26) This dialogue by Sephy highlights the racial wall which segregates their society. In addition, alternate history has also been used to enhance audience interest. This novel has reversed the race-relations which occurred in history. Therefore, “Noughts and Crosses” can be separated from all other fictions