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

Reader reviewed by Jenna

Very sad story about child abuse and the effects of it. Not for the faint of heart!

Tales of torture and starvation haunt this intense piece of literature. The boy watches as his siblings get treated kindly while he is forced to wear the same clothes every day and sneak food from the school just to stay alive. A very intense book based on true events.

Reader reviewed by dykehalo

One of the worst cases of abuse on record recorded in a book. It's incredibly sad, gross, and disgusting all the things this boy goes through. At the same time it's inticing and hard to put down.

If this book doesn't make you thankfull for the laws North America now has, Children's Aid/Social Workers, and your parents i don't know what will.
I LOVED IT!

Reader reviewed by Jordan

This book was so sad. I can't believe how his mother treated him. I understand that he was young and all, and I probably would have lied to at his age, but jeez, you have to tell. I hope this book will help other people realize the dangers of child abuse out there.

Reader reviewed by Ritz

Dave, a child with an adused childhood. Dave's mother had abused him. Throughout his childhood his mother had done this. But what he had dont wrong he does not know. When he was younger he was not abused. And after that he was. When he was abused his brothers and sisters weren't abused. Why his mother abused him he did not know. It is a book thatwill put you in tears as you read along.

Reader reviewed by ToRi

This book was so sad. I couldn't believe that it was about a real person because the things his mother did to him were just plain cruel. I really don't know how he survived all of that.
Dave was abused by his mother. She would bash him, hold his head under water, make him eat his own vomit.

Don't let all of these things put you off because this book was a truly sad but amazing story of how he sy=urvived through these horrible things.

I don't understand how a mother can do that to her child!!

Reader reviewed by Dying kitty

I first read A Child called it about a year ago. Although I knew what it was about, I was not quite expecting the contents that I was confronted with.


A Child called it is a shocking story of appalling child abuse, which no one should have to go through. Unfortunately, as shown in this book, people did go through it, and probably still do.


It's one of those stories that really brings you in and helps you to see through the eyes of the writer, due the detail put into the book. When he's describing some of the punishments it's almost although you are there, watching it, which makes it all the more disturbing and upsetting.

I have also read Dave Pelzers other books; The lost boy and A man names Dave, and both add to the life he had with his mother, but also help to bring a happy end to the situation, despite several other up's and down's in his life, including his dad dying and having a bad marriage and getting divorced.


Overall I think this is a book that should not be thought lightly of. The content is strong and very upsetting in parts but perhaps that is necessary to get his message across. I see it as not only an interesting (if not disturbing) read, but also as a campaign against child abuse.

If you have yet to read this book, go out and buy it but be warned of the contents. Some of the punishments inflicted upon David are things you would not even expect to see in a gore/horror movie. However, it is an interesting and informative read for people who are interested in the subject or who just want to read about someone who has gone through such a bad childhood and come out on top.

Dave Pelzer is an inspiration to all.


-Rachel Hall (17 years old)

Reader reviewed by Nelly

When i first saw this book i thought that it was going to be boring, but when my friends told me that it was great book i decided to read it. This book was so great but yet, so sad. how can a mother do that to her own child? This has been one of the GREATEST books i have ever read

Reader reviewed by Tiffany

As a freshman in high school i was assigned to read an autobiography or a biography and do a report in it. I picked from the shelf "A child called "it"". Never did i think in that moment i was about to read the most amazing and heart shattering book. The detail from this book really makes you feel you are there witnessing it!! I loved this book and i encourage many to read it!!

Reader reviewed by wwegurl

This is a good book. I can't believe how horrible some humans can act!This tells the story of an abused child, who is also the author. He had to go through so many things and still didn't give up. This is a book of great courage and determination. Also read The Lost Boy, a continuation of this story.

Reader reviewed by Holly

Only one word can describe this amazing book: breathtaking! From the first page to last, this book had my attention, it tells the story of a young man who is abused by his mother. He told his story so well, with alarming details, and the descriptions were so great that I could picture every sentence in my mind. I would recommend "A Child Called It" to anyone up for a great read with a wonderful lesson!