Robert Swindells' Carnegie Medal-winning novel, Stone Cold, offers a stark and suspenseful look at homelessness through the eyes of Link, a young man forced onto the streets of London. The narrative cleverly alternates between Link's struggle for survival and the chilling perspective of Shelter, a sociopathic ex-army officer who believes he is 'clearing' the streets of the homeless. As Link tries to make sense of his new life and the disappearances of his friends, he becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation. This book is a powerful tool for discussing social injustice, empathy, and the harsh realities faced by vulnerable populations, while also delivering a compelling mystery.
After being forced out of the family home by his stepfather, Link joins other homeless kids who seem to start disappearing.