The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

Dave Pelzer

Jan 2010 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

Imagine a young boy who has never had a loving home. His only possesions are the old, torn clothes he carries in a paper bag. The only world he knows is one of isolation and fear. Although others had rescued this boy from his abusive alcoholic mother, his real hurt is just begining -- he has no place to call home.

This is Dave Pelzer's long-awaited sequel to A Child Called "It". In The Lost Boy, he answers questions and reveals new adventures through the compelling story of his life as an adolescent. Now considered an F-Child (Foster Child), Dave is moved in and out of five different homes. He suffers shame and experiences resentment from those who feel that all foster kids are trouble and unworthy of being loved just because they are not part of a "real" family.

Tears, laughter, devastation and hope create the journey of this little lost boy who searches desperately for just one thing -- the love of a family.

Ratings and reviews

I too was a foster child, I read this book when I was in the 5 the grade and as I got older I could never find it in the library. But thanks to all the technology we have in found it online along with a man named dave. About to read it now. His story touch my heart. Being a foster child doesn't make you any less of a person, it made me a better person.

I have read "The child called it" and that is what interested me in this book as well. I myself have always been in and out of foster homes from 96' until 08' when I finally was adopted. Being in foster care, even then you weren't excepted in society.. you were the odd one out. So I completely relate to this book. Every detail to foster care homes to sneaking out to see your biological parents its all so true.

Though my situation wasn't as extreme I too came from an abusive home. Dave is inspiring and gives hope to those of us that have lost hope and think we have to live with our pasts and carry it with us like a ton of bricks for the rest of our lives. I am currently working on getting my Human Services Degree so I can take my past heartaches and reach out to help and give hope to other victims or as I like to say "take my yuck and make good." I'm no longer a victim but a survivor thank you Dave for being apart of this growth and change.

About the author

Dave Pelzer has experienced a truly adventurous extraordinary life. At age 12, Dave was rescued and placed in a series of foster homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a member of the armed forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the then highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter.

Some of Dave’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through several prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from four U.S. Presidents. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, joining a distinguished group including John F. Kennedy and Walt Disney. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World! In 2005, Dave was the recipient of the National Jefferson Award, which is considered the Pulitzer Prize of public service.



Unbeknownst to the general public, from 2006 to 2010, while at extreme risk plus using his own time and expense, Dave spent weeks at a time visiting the troops in the Middle East and South West Asia, providing counseling and comedic presentations to embedded troops.

For nearly a decade, when not on the road speaking, performing radio presentations, or offering counseling services, Dave serves his community as a volunteer Fire Captain for two separate districts. He has served in many explosive fires, floods, and other natural disasters. For his efforts, Dave was twice selected as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Dave is the author of nine inspirational books. Dave’s first book, A Child Called “It” was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record setting six years. His books were on the same Best Sellers List well over twelve years. Dave was the first author to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Dave is a living testament of a self-made man who has dedicated his life to helping others . . . to help themselves. He is the host of the podcast, The Dave Pelzer Show, providing humor, advice, and tools to help listeners make positive, productive changes. Visit: www.davepelzer.com.