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About this item
Description
About the Book
Originally published: Omaha, Neb.: Omaha Press, 1993.Book Synopsis
This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."
Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.
Dimensions (Overall): 7.4 Inches (H) x 4.9 Inches (W) x .5 Inches (D)
Weight: .4 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 184
Genre: Law, Political Science, Family + Relationships, Biography + Autobiography
Sub-Genre: Personal Memoirs, Abuse, Family Law / Children, Family Law / General, Abuse / General, General, Child Advocacy, Substance Abuse + Addictions / Alcoholism, Public Policy / Social Services + Welfare
Publisher: Hci
Format: Paperback
Author: David J. Pelzer
Language: English
Street Date: March 13, 2013
TCIN: 11340455
UPC: 9781558743663
Item Number (DPCI): 059-04-1050
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 7.75 inches length x 5.25 inches width x 0.75 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.5 pounds
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 6 reviews
100% would recommend
1 recommendations
Book Report
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 9 years ago
Had to get this for my sons high school report. I picked it up to read a page or two and got hooked. so good. By the way, my son got an A !!!
Intense
5 out of 5 stars
Erin - 13 years ago
This is a heart-wrenching book that is intense to read. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who has been abused who is still sensitive to hearing about it, as this book does get quite detailed, but it is an important read for those who can do so. I know there are also two books by Dave Pelzer about foster care and then being an adult, I would recommend seeking those out as well because they really help flesh out the rest of the story. There is also a book by his brother Richard chronicling the aftermath in the household.
EXCELLENT
5 out of 5 stars
Mom of 2 - 14 years ago
This book is one of the only books that I think everyone should read. If you want a "edge of your seat" REAL LIFE story of a little boy's STRONG WILL to survive. This is the book. Anyone that thinks they have a bad life, all they need to do is read this book and realize that they don't have it so bad. I recommend this book as a gift for anyone that likes reading True stories that end on a good note.
A child called "It"
4 out of 5 stars
KT - 15 years ago
A child called it is is an intense book that exposes the truths and feelings about child abuse. Not only does it explain the activities this child is forced to do but it also explains the emotional pain the child goes through. Throughout the story this child has a strong will to never give up and do whatever it takes to stay alive. His will to stay alive get him through starvation, injuries and losing those important to him. When he hadn't eaten in days he found food but got caught by his drunken mother, she would do whatever it took to keep him unhappy. Near the end of the story his mother hurts him in a way that is unforgivable. When she does something that normal mothers would never dream of doing she still forced her child to follow through with extreme chores. Even in extreme pain he follows through with the chores in hopes of avoiding abuse. When he thinks his father is his only hopes of survival everything turns on him... This book is an amazing story of the battles and troubles a child goes through during abuse and helps you realize their is more to abuse than hitting and smacking. It is also an influential story of how strong a child can be.