Gerald Nickelby

By the time Gerald is three, he has learned to read the signs of his mother's mood, a self-preservation technique that he uses to try to avoid her at her most abusive. Gerald describes both physical and emotional abuse. He is often left alone and finds a lighter one day. Playing with it, he sets the kitchen curtains on fire and might have died except for a neighbor boy who checked to make sure Gerald wasn't there alone. Gerald is hospitalized and his mother jailed. His life then takes a change for the better. He moves in with his Aunt Queen. Though confined to a wheelchair, she believes a person should never feel sorry for himself and should never mistreat others. She loves Gerald fully and he returns that love. Under her care, he thrives and becomes a self-confident boy looking forward to his ninth birthday. However...