Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Genre: Romance
Style: Thought-provoking 
Recommended: Over 14
Other: First in a four book series

It is fair to say this is one of the best books I've ever read. Malorie Blackman is an outstanding writer and her themes and ideas create some amazing novels along with her initiative and engaging style of writing. This book is basically a love story but it is set in an alternate society where Whites (Noughts) are inferior to Blacks (Crosses). This thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society amounts to a brilliant novel that looks deeper into the issues of racism and what the consequences are for both sides . It is set in a society where blacks and white did not mix, much like the situation in South Africa during Aparthied. However, at the heart of this novel is an epic love story between a Nought and a Cross, who like Romeo and Juliet, cannot be together. This novel with have you smiling, laughing, crying and utterly heart broken all in one. No matter weather you are an avid or first time reader this book is a must read for everyone and I cannot recommend it enough. Noughts and Crosses is the first in a four books series but do not feel you have to read all four. In my opinion the first book is by far the best. I have recommended this books to no one less that 14 as it touches on some very difficult issues and is in some parts rather graphic. 

Blurb:
Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

Other books in the Noughts and Crosses series:
Noughts and Crosses (#1)
An Eye For An Eye (#1.5)
Callum (#1.6)
Knife Edge (#2)
Checkmate (#3)
Double Cross (#4)