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

Dave Pelzer

Jul 2007 · Recorded Books · Narrated by Brian Keeler

About this audiobook

Dave Pelzer's astonishing, disturbing account of his early years describes one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. This book has spent over 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Dave was in first grade when his unstable alcoholic mother began attacking him. Until he was in fifth grade, she starved, beat and psychologically ravaged her son. Eventually denying even his identity, Dave's mother called him an "it" instead of using his name. Relentlessly, she drove him to the brink of death before authorities finally stepped in. With faith and hope, Dave grew determined to survive. He also knew that he needed to share his story. A Child Called "It" is the first of three books that chronicle his life. Through publications and public appearances, Dave is now recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected speakers about child abuse.

Ratings and reviews

A powerful reminder to everyone that abuse goes hidden or dismissed far too often. I wish every teacher, firefighter, police officer, nurse, heck anyone with kids would read this series. The life you save will be forever grateful.

So sad. It's hard to think of anyone, much less a child, living through these horrors. Many times there were tears, many times heartbreak, but I don't regret reading this book. I think it should be mandated for schools to show how to be kind to each other and appreciate how well the majority has it. A sad but beautiful book.

The author to this book Dave is actually who the story is about his 3 book series , A child called "it".. The lost boy.. & A man named "Dave". Are all his life story written by him. They are sad and powerful I read them in highschool and again now and they are mind blowing and fantastic 👏

About the author

David Pelzer was born on December 29, 1960 in San Francisco, California. He survived what is reported to be the third worst case of child abuse in California state history. The victims of the other two cases are dead. At the age 12, Pelzer's teachers risked their careers to notify the authorities and saved his life. He was removed from his home and his abusive mother, and made a ward of the court. He was placed in foster care until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. While in the service, Pelzer achieved the rank of Sargent and was hand-picked to midair refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. His first book, A Child Called "It", was published in 1995 and dealt with his abusive childhood. His other works include The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family, A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness, Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, and Happiness, and Moving Forward. He received several awards including the J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award in 1990 and the 2005 National Jefferson Award.