Malorie Blackman is a British children’s author and scriptwriter. She is best known for her YA Noughts & Crosses book series, a popular work of speculative fiction set in the 21st century. Blackman writes for children of all ages and was recognised for her work when she was named Children’s Laureate for 2013 – 2015.
Toni Morrison was an American novelist, professor, and essay writer. She published her first novel The Bluest Eye in 1970, but her most well-known work is Beloved, published in 1987. This novel gave her the recognition to go on to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. Morrison was the first black female editor of fiction for Random House NYC. She carries a string of honours and rewards for her work across the last half-century.
Benjamin Zephaniah is a British writer from Birmingham, born to Jamaican and Barbadian parents. Zephaniah had a difficult childhood, being diagnosed with dyslexia and leaving school aged 13 unable to read and write. Despite this, he persisted to become one of the most influential living poets in the UK.