DAME MALORIE BLACKMAN DBE FRSL
Author • Playwright • Screenwriter • Former Children’s Laureate
Dame Malorie Blackman DBE FRSL is one of Britain’s most celebrated writers for children and young adults.
A former Children’s Laureate, she has written more than 70 books, including the groundbreaking Noughts & Crosses series, which explores racism, prejudice and inequality and has been adapted for stage and television. A lifelong lover of reading, Malorie spent many childhood Saturdays in her local library. Her extraordinary career has helped transform British children’s literature, opening doors for Black writers and enabling generations of young readers to see Black characters and experiences at the centre of major stories.
Why Hackney Matters
As a Stoke Newington resident, Malorie has been a part of Hackney’s rich literary community. Her place at Step 1 has special significance because the children involved in creating the Hackney Writers Legacy Steps chose her to begin the staircase. Her books had made such an impact on young readers that they felt there was no question about where the journey should start. In 2026, Noughts & Crosses was also performed at Hackney Empire, bringing one of her best-known stories to audiences in her home borough.
Did You Know?
Before becoming a bestselling author, Malorie received 83 rejection letters.