Stone Cold

Stone Cold, winner of the 1994 Carnegie Medal, serves as a sinister warning to any young runaway and not just because there is a killer on the loose. Narrated by 17-year-old Link, homeless and jobless in London after being driven out of home by a drunken, abusive stepfather, he vividly recounts the day-to-day experiences of a homeless person. Because he tells it like it is, his descriptions of sleeping rough shatter any romantic notions: "So you pick your spot. Wherever it is ... it's going to have a floor of stone, tile, concrete or brick. In other words it's going to be hard and cold. It might be a bit cramped, too--shop doorways often are. And remember, if it's winter you're going to be half-frozen before you even start."

If this was just another diatribe on the perils of sleeping rough, the reader's interest would soon wane but it is far more gripping than that. The author alternates Link's tale with that of an unknown serial killer preying on the homeless. You, the reader, see how closely their lives brush against each other and know it's only a matter of time before they clash. Will Link be joining the other recruits in the cellar--what a deterrent that would be! (Age 11 and over.) --Nicola Perry

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DUMBING DOWN - Rated
This is an entertaining read but does not have the depth to be studied for GCSE - what are the examiners thinking of choosing this over Steinbeck, Dickens, Hardy, et al? Even the students are aware they are being patronised - no offence to the book but as 'Literature'? Please! It's doing the author no favours, either, because anything you HAVE to read becomes boring by definition, doesn't it?

Gripping and compelling - Rated
The book's theme, poverty and life on the streets, didn't appeal to me before I read the book as I'm used to reading crime novels. However, reading the first few pages of the book immediately changed my opinion as I couldn't stop reading.
The book is relatively short and the story is easy to comprehend. It is written in such a manner that there aren't any dull moments in between that you have to force yourself to read.
The story is suitable for children aged 12 and up, and many will probably be able to identify with the main character, Link, and his troubles at home.
All in all, this book gives an exciting and confronting view of life on the streets, while combining this with an original plot.

Depressing and Wry - Rated
I read this book in English, as a play. We acted out certain scenes and i found it depressing. It is easy to follow and sometimes it has a bit of humour, but over all it makes you quite sad and lonely.
Most of the story line is a mad crazy guy trying to kill homeless people. It makes you feel unhappy and (when you are at school) wanting to go home and sitting on the sofa with a duvet!
I wouldnt read it out of choice but if you want a creepy and chilling novel, its OK

Chilling - Rated
Yet another excellent book by Robert Swindells. I was reading this book in preparation for teaching it to a group of pupils with social, emotional and behavioural problems. It should go down a treat. Short chapters help keep the pace and the dual narrative means you don't have to focus too long on one particular character.

Narrated on one side by Link, a young lad who has left home due to an unhappy life. He is homeless but doesn't know how to be. He meets Ginger in a doorway one night and he begins to show him the ropes. Our other narrator is called Shelter, a sadistic seriel-killer who is killing the homeless children one by one.

The kids are disappearing and no one cares. Then Link meets Gail and his life improves but still Link knows something sinister has happened to Ginger. This book was winner of the Carnegie Medial (although I don't know which year) and it is easy to see why. It is captivating and pacey with great realistic characters. One or two more chapters at the end would have helped to finish it off much more neatly but who really needs that, the children can make up their own minds about what happens.

A good introduction to homelessness for children and as an add-on as a teacher it provides a range of stimulus for discussion. Well worth a read and well worth considering for the classroom. Yes it's been taught a lot but so what, it's a great book!

Stone cold - Rated
'Stone Cold' tells a fairly realistic tale about a boy called Link who ends up on the street. Being homeless, he finds out how extremely difficult it is to get by. An excellent story about his daily struggle for survival. A must-read for all who are interested in Young Adult Literature, whether you're young or not!