Congratulations to Dame Malorie Blackman on being recognised for services to literature in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2026!
Malorie has written over 70 books for children and young adults, including the highly acclaimed NOUGHTS & CROSSES, which was voted as one of The 100 Greatest Children’s Books of All Time in a 2023 BBC Culture Poll (one of only fourteen books published in the 21st Century to make the list) and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Her work has also been adapted for TV, including with the BAFTA winning 6 part adaptation of PIG-HEART BOY, and NOUGHTS + CROSSES for BBC One. NOUGHTS & CROSSES has also been adapted for stage by Pilot Theatre and a stage adaptation of PIG-HEART BOY premiered at the Unicorn Theatre in 2025.
Alongside her writing career, Malorie has championed the importance of children’s literacy. In 2005, Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. In 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children’s literature and, between 2013 and 2015, she was the Children’s Laureate. She has been a frequent judge for the BBC’s 500 Words writing competition, is an official ambassador for the National Year of Reading and was celebrated with an exhibition at the British Library entitled “Malorie Blackman- The Power of Stories”, exploring her impact on the world of children’s literature.
Malorie was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours list in June 2026, with the news picked up by trade and national press including The Bookseller and BBC News.
For the BBC announcement, click here
For The Bookseller announcement, click here
