A Child Called "It"

by Pelzer, David J.

• ISBN13: 9781558743663
• ISBN10: 1558743669
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780757396076
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-10-01
• Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER BOOKS
• More Book Details

About This Book

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

ISBN: 9781558743663

About the Book

"A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive" is a heart-wrenching memoir written by Dave Pelzer, detailing one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. This book chronicles the unimaginable suffering and resilience of a young boy who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother. The story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to survive even in the most horrific conditions.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in courses related to psychology, sociology, and social work. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the effects of child abuse and the resilience of children in traumatic situations. Parents and caregivers may find this book particularly insightful as it provides a raw and honest look at the consequences of neglect and abuse.

History and Editions

Published on September 1, 1995, by Health Communications, Inc., "A Child Called It" has been a widely read and discussed book for over two decades. The book's impact has been significant, helping to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of support systems for victims.

Author and Other Works

Dave Pelzer is the author of several books that detail his experiences with abuse and his journey towards healing. Some of his notable works include:

• "The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Story of Captivity and Freedom" (1997) - This book continues Pelzer's story from "A Child Called It," detailing his experiences in foster care.
• "A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness" (1999) - In this memoir, Pelzer shares his journey towards healing and forgiveness after escaping his abusive childhood.
• "Help Yourself: Fighting Addiction and Taking Control of Your Life" (2001) - This book focuses on Pelzer's struggles with addiction and his path towards recovery.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9781558743663

Publication Details

• Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
• Publication Date: September 1, 1995
• Number of Pages: 200 pages
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no other editions or formats specifically listed for this book, it is available in various retailers and can be found in both paperback and bulk quantities.

Related ISBNs:

• None found for additional formats or editions of this specific book.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "A Child Called It," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

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Author Biography

Dave Pelzer is recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected communicators addressing corporate groups, conventions and human-service professionals. Dave's unique accomplishments have garnered personal commendations from former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. In 1993 Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans and in 1994 was the only American to be honored as one of The Outstanding Young Persons of the World. Dave was also selected as a Torchbearer for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. Dave has dedicated his life to helping others help themselves.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Author's Notes	xi
The Rescue	1	(14)
Good Times	15	(12)
Bad Boy	27	(18)
The Fight for Food	45	(36)
The Accident	81	(18)
While Father is Away	99	(30)
The Lord's Prayer	129	(26)
Epilogue	155	(6)
Perspectives on Child Abuse	161	(16)
Resources for Help	177

Excerpts

Excerpt from Chapter 6 While Father Is Away After the knife incident, Father spent less and less time at home and more at work. He made excuses to the family, but I didn't believe him. I often shivered with fear as I sat in the garage, hoping for some reason he might not leave. In spite of all that had happened, I still felt Father was my protector. When he was home, Mother only did about half the things to me that she did when he was gone. When Father was home, it became his habit to help me with the evening dishes. Father washed and I dried. While we worked, we talked softly so neither Mother nor the other boys could hear us. Sometimes, several minutes would pass without us talking. We wanted to make sure the coast was clear. Father always broke the ice. "How ya doing, Tiger?" he would say. Hearing the old name that Father used when I was a little boy always brought a smile to my face. "I'm OK," I would answer. "Did you have anything to eat today?" he often asked. I usually shook my head in a negative gesture. "Don't worry," he'd say. "Some day you and I will both get out of this madhouse." I knew father hated living at home and I felt that it was all my fault. I told him that I would be good and that I wouldn't steal food anymore. I told Father I would try harder and do a better job on my chores. When I said these things, he always smiled and assured me that it wasn't my fault. Sometimes as I dried the dishes, I felt a new ray of hope. I knew Father probably wouldn't do anything against Mother, but when I stood beside him I felt safe. Like all good things that happened to me, Mother put an end to Father helping me with the dishes. She insisted that The Boy needed no help. She said that Father paid too much attention to me and not enough to others in the family. Without a fight, Father gave up. Mother now had complete control over everybody in the household. After awhile, Father didn't even stay home on his days off. He would come in for only a few minutes. After seeing my brothers, he would find me wherever I was doing my chores and say a few sentences, then leave. It took Father no more than 10 minutes to get in and out of the house, and be on his way back to his solitude, which he usually found in a bar. When Father talked to me, he'd tell me that he was making plans for the two of us to leave. This always made me smile, but deep inside I knew it was a fantasy. One day, he knelt down to tell me how sorry he was. I looked into his face. The change in Father frightened me. He had dark black circles around his eyes, and his face and neck were beet-red. Father's once rigid shoulders were now slumped over. Gray had begun to take over his jet-black hair. Before he left that day, I threw my arms around his waist. I didn't know when I would see him again. After finishing my chores that day, I rushed downstairs. I had been ordered to wash my ragged clothes and another heap of smelly rags. But that day, Father's leaving had left m

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Excerpted from A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive by Dave Pelzer
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.