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Paperback A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive Book

ISBN: 1558743669

ISBN13: 9781558743663

A Child Called "It"

(Book #1 in the Dave Pelzer Series)

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Format: Paperback

Condition: Like New

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Book Overview

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.

Customer Reviews

75 customer ratings | 20 reviews

Rated 5 stars
Heartbreaking, but a very good read!

I remember my mother telling me about this book when I was in high school. She didn’t go into too much detail about what it was but recommended I read it. I found it in my school library and read the entire series. This book had me crying my eyes out. I could NEVER in a million years imagine hurting my child like this. It’s so heartbreaking. Make sure you have a box of tissues.

0Report

Rated 5 stars
Unforgettable

I read this book my freshman year , 12 years have past and I sense so much heartache when I see the cover of this book. I want to buy it to add to my book collection but I am so hesitant. I am a mother and I couldn’t ever imagine hurting my baby. This is a great book to read, but be warned, it’s pretty heartbreaking!

9Report

Rated 5 stars
A great book

I loved this book! I read when I was 6th grade after I had found the second book to this in a store.(A Lost Boy). I’m pretty sure it’s about his life in foster homes. It’s been a few years since I’ve read it. I read that and knew I needed to find this one. I read it in one day. It is truly such a great book and I would recommend it to anyone!

8Report

Rated 5 stars
I read this book years ago it is still one of the best...

I read this book years ago it is still one of the best books I have read telling such an amazing heart-wrenching story.

3Report

Rated 5 stars
Amazing Read!!!!

An absolute amazing read of a little boy who captivates the reader with his words and courage. His strength to survive fills me with tears. As someone who works with children this book moved me in many ways. I highly reccomend this book and the sequel The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave which completes the trilogy of Dave Pelzer's memoirs.

4Report

A Child Called "It" Mentions in Our Blog

A Child Called "It" in Life-Changing Books That You Need to Read
Life-Changing Books That You Need to Read
Published by Bianca Smith • January 10, 2018

What books changed your life? Maybe as a child, or later. Here are some that people told us changed their lives.

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