Malorie Blackman is a British author known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. She was born on February 8, 1962, in London, England. Blackman gained widespread recognition for her novel series, particularly the Noughts & Crosses series, which explores themes of race, identity, and social justice. In addition to her writing, Blackman has served as the Children's Laureate from 2013 to 2015, promoting the importance of reading and literature for young people. Her work has received numerous awards, making her one of the most influential voices in contemporary children's literature.