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A Child Called It

by Dave Pelzer

A Child Called It Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."

Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.

About the Author

Dave Pelzer travels throughout the nation promoting inspiration and resilience. His unique accomplishments have garnered personal commendations from Presidents Reagan and Bush. In 1993 Pelzer was chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA), and in 1994 was the only American to receive The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) award. He was also a torchbearer for the Centennial Olympic Games

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 34 comments:
manganjessica, January 21, 2009 (view all comments by manganjessica)
This is a very disturbing book. It reminds me of home when I was a child. I was made to read this book when i was in my parents' care. I was told to read this book and to remember that I wasn't worse off than the author. No one under the age of 18 should read this book. It would definitely mess up a child's head up.
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(5 of 13 readers found this comment helpful)
Mary Steele, October 25, 2008 (view all comments by Mary Steele)
I found this book to be poorly organized and not very well written. The abuse does indeed sound horrendous (if true), but I didn't find the organization and writing style left me unconvinced. I'm not likely to follow on with the next book in this trilogy.
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(5 of 17 readers found this comment helpful)
Mary Steele, October 25, 2008 (view all comments by Mary Steele)
I found this book to be poorly organized and not very well written. The abuse does indeed sound horrendous, if true. I'm not likely to follow on with the next book in this trilogy.
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(4 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
View all 34 comments

Product Details

ISBN:
9781558743663
Author:
Pelzer, David J.
Author:
Pelzer, Dave
Publisher:
Health Communications
Location:
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Subject:
General
Subject:
California
Subject:
Biography
Subject:
Abuse
Subject:
Abused children
Subject:
Foster home care
Subject:
Child abuse
Subject:
Specific Groups - Special Needs
Subject:
Children of alcoholics
Subject:
Family violence
Subject:
Adult
Subject:
Foster home care -- California.
Subject:
Abusive mothers.
Subject:
Child of Impaired Parents.
Subject:
Abuse - General
Subject:
General Self-Help
Subject:
Pelzer, David J.
Subject:
Abused children - California - Daly City
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Paperback
Series Volume:
3340
Publication Date:
September 1995
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
195
Dimensions:
7.56x4.99x.48 in. .41 lbs.

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