By:
Melvin Burgess
Grade Level:
Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess (2009) is a riveting novel that addresses the effects of abuse in a corrupt social services system. After Nick’s mother dies of a heroin overdose he goes into the system and is placed in a boys home called Meadow Hill. Inmates of Meadow Hill are often victims of brutal beatings when persons of authority are displeased in any way.