Robert Swindells’ novel Stone Cold provides a stark and powerful depiction of the realities of poverty and homelessness, directly linking to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 1, “No Poverty.” The main character, Link, experiences how easily circumstances can lead to becoming homeless, underscoring the instability faced by those living on the edge of society. Stone Cold effectively illustrates the cyclical nature of poverty, as Link’s lack of an address serves as an obstacle to finding work, ensnaring him in a desperate fight for survival. The story also sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by the homeless, highlighting the dangers and exploitation they encounter, which further stresses the urgency of SDG 1’s mission. Additionally, the social exclusion and stigma that Link experiences reveal the complex dimensions of poverty, which go beyond just the absence of financial resources to include feelings of isolation and marginalization. By depicting these harsh truths, Stone Cold acts as a poignant reminder of the significance of SDG 1 and its objectives, which aim to tackle the fundamental causes of poverty, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and decent employment. The narrative encourages empathy and understanding, aligning with SDG 1’s call for global solidarity in combating poverty and serving as a stark reminder of the human costs of inaction. In my audiobook adaptation of Stone Cold, the introduction shows Link sitting on the street in the cold while passersby ignore him, which contradicts the SDG 1 objective of eliminating poverty. Therefore, I decided to alter this scene to align with the SDG 1 goal by having someone approach Link and offer him some money, enabling him to buy food and potentially support himself in finding shelter. This assistance could provide Link access to vital resources like transportation or hygiene items, possibly helping him move toward secure employment. This act leaves Link astonished, as he’s typically overlooked, instilling in him the belief that people and society are beginning to change.