A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive (Dave Pelzer #1)

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

A Child Called It is about a young boy's struggle to survive. With an alcholic mother who seperates him from the family and puts him through a severe stabbing, various posionings, starvation and many more grotesque actions, he has to struggle to live.

This book broke my heart, for you could picture the pain he was going through and his own broken heart. It's a very good concept on what child abuse really is. A good read, but recommended for grade nine or higher.

Reader reviewed by AprilRenee'

OMG This was one of the most gruesome books I have ever read. I don't understand how any sane person let alone a mother put her OWN child through this torture. This book made me realize that there really are people out there who are like this. Child abuse isn't something of the past. It is happening right not. I suggest that you read this book. It will make you look closely at the kids around you and make you a more perceptive person to an abusive situation.

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

This was one of the most depressing books that I have ever read. It's extremely sad and the end didn't seem to bring any hope to the poor boy's future. Since it's also based on a true story, it made it even more upsetting. The ways that the mother treated her son and punished him was almost unhuman! I found myself holding back tears, and other times wanting to just punch the book because I was so mad about something that had happened. I think that the book would've been much better if there was just a little bit more spark at the end to hint to some hope.

Reader reviewed by Roxi

Although this books gets amazing reviews and you're forced to read it in 9th grade, I don't think its that amazing.  Mostly because it is so horrific and out there its hard to comprehend this is real and possible, and youre not just reading a gory horror story. Only the strong of stomach can read this, other wise you just end up gettig thoroughly depressed and even pyhsically sick for no reason.  reader beware.

Reader reviewed by pjrenick

This book is one that you can't put down once you've started it.  It is graphic - and it's definitely not for everyone - but it's a great book about how someone can survive torture worse than most of us can imagine.  Many of my students (7th grade) have read this book and every single one of them have requested the follow-up book to read next.

Reader reviewed by Jordan

thius book is very sad and very unfourtunate but at the same time incredibly good. this book sucks you into the action and after reading it it makes you want to do something to stop child abuse!!! after reading this book you will feel outraged that people actually do that. and the worse part is this book is based on a true story. i dont advise everyone to read it , but if you think you can handle this kind of violence then be my guest its a book you will not regret reading

Reader reviewed by VictoriaD

A Child Called At was a life changing story about a boy who was abused by his alcoholic mother at such a young age. Through the book he tells about all the different ways his mother abused him and how he survived through it every day. His mother went from stabbing him to starving him. This book really changed my life in so many ways. I realized how grateful I am to have a family who loves and takes care of me.

Reader reviewed by Lullabyebarian

A Child Called It is one of those books that is so unbelievable that you can't put it down. What happens to this little boy is outrageous! The amount of abuse that this child endures is unreal. How a child could live through this knowing that his siblings are not being treated the same way is beyond me? It is amazing that this man even survived the traumas described in this book. This is a must read for all parents and educators.

Reader reviewed by AbbyLiz

This novel moved me in a way that I had not been moved before. It was not the fact that I was reading it, but the fact that it had actually happened. This young man's story touched my heart in a way that no other auther had been able to do. I strongly suggest this novel for anyone that wants a sharp dose of reality.

Reader reviewed by Devan Woten

this book is incredible. for a child abuse book thats true. its hard to realize what some kids went through and it a really good book. it sad in some parts but i think thats because its a true story written by the boy. Kids Should really read this book to realize how easy they have it. and how lucky they are. i cryed during this book and it made me realize how much other kids go through and how easy i have it.