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A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive
A Child Called 'It' One Child's Courage to Survive
Author: Dave Pelzer
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 mo...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781558743663
ISBN-10: 1558743669
Publication Date: 9/1/1995
Pages: 195
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1830

4 stars, based on 1830 ratings
Publisher: HCI
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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Top Member Book Reviews

  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 16 more book reviews
28 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is a sad tale that is very typical of children in foster care today. Most will read this story and be shocked at the malicious treatment Dave received as a child. However, I, as a child abuse attorney based in Los Angeles, CA, who has represented perhaps thousands of children found myself thinking, "I've seen worse." as I read of Dave's horiffic plight.

Unfortunately, such abuse as Dave's is none too common in today's world. Quite often, I've been asked by the unsympathetic fool, "What is the worst case of child abuse you've seen?" My common response is, "Do you mean where the child lived, or where the child died?"

Most of this abuse goes on right under our noses, unnoticed, and that, is the true tragedy of this story. Kudos to Dave for his ability to survive and his strength to share his story.
  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 2 more book reviews
26 member(s) found this review helpful.
Unimaginable account of a child abused. I received this book in the early afternoon and finished it in record time. I could not put it down. This book makes me thankful for the things that I have. It also makes me want to hold my children a little tighter. I recommend this book to everyone.

We as a nation should want to do more to stand up against child abuse. Don't look the other way or close the blinds. STOP turning the other way on the future of our Country. These children are our future lets nurture them and show them the unconditional love that each child deserves.

Have the tissue box ready. This is a very sad one.
Cant wait to read the next.
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 9 more book reviews
21 member(s) found this review helpful.
Heartbreaking and moving, this book tells the story of one child's abuse he suffers at the hands of his parents. This true story is NOT an easy read; you will be horrified, angry, and outraged at the hell this child was put through.

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  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 31 more book reviews
This is one of the most griping books I have ever read. The range of emotions I felt while reading spanned the spectrum of all emotions. The child's courage and perseverance was remarkable. I just wanted to grab the child up and give him all the love he deserved. If you have a weak stomach I'd pass then again if you love children no matter who they are it's a must read.
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 10 more book reviews
This book is the most horrifying case I have ever read in the realms of child abuse. It made me realize that a child can bend and recover from ill fate, and that there is a nerve for forgiveness in us.
  • Currently 1/5 Stars.
reviewed A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive on + 83 more book reviews
Monthly book pick for my book club. This book was absolutely heart-breaking to read. I couldn't believe many of the things this child had to go through. I wish there would have been more details about what came of the abusers, but maybe that info was saved for the additional books. Overall, an ok read. Very descriptive and hard to get through some of the abuse.

Book Wiki

People/Characters
David Pelzer (Primary Character)
His mother (Primary Character)

Genres: