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A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

A Child Called It

One Child's Courage to Survive

by Dave Pelzer
  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Oct 1, 1999, 184 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Oct 1995, 184 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 270 reader reviews for A Child Called It
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Elise

A Child Called
This Is an amazingly sad book and I could read it over and over for months. This man was tortured and severely abused for years while his brothers stood there watching. I don't believe I could have the courage to survive these inhumane acts by someone you dearly used to love.
rina

i love the book
I loved the book I thought it and its sequels were one of the best books I have ever read. I can not relate to ALL the abuse but I can relate to some and the foster care and the story touched my heart as it did to my husband
Ashleigh

Great Book
This book was really good it took me less than a day to read it because I could not put it down it's awesome it's a must read!
Sharron

A Child Called It
I just loved this book. Once I started to read it I could not put it done. Now I want to read the other books. What started out to be a book review for my class has changed my interest in the book. I need to read more, I am also wanting to know did he ever see his mom again PS I am glad that is life is somewhat better
nikolai heslin

how good book was and just talking persenle to dave palzer
This book is very good. I like the book because it's all about how he got better and I just want to say my life was not bad as his but I know how it is not eat for 2 or 3 days and I just don't know - I have friends but if I tell them all about my old life I'll be ashamed of myself and to tell my new Dad and Mom - so I tell you that life is tough. After I read these books it makes me realize that their nothing to be ashamed of.
Dick Chan

Simply Magnificent and Touching
I found out this book from my cousin one day after I just finished reading a boring novel I had to read for English class. My cousin gave me this book and said that I would be interested in it. At first, I was like "Ok this seems a bit ridiculous" but after I started reading the first chapter, I couldn't stop reading. I even missed my dinner that night also because I was so into this book. I have never read such book that resemble so much pain in one person. I was absolutely horrified by the torments and punishment that "The Mother" did to Dave Peltzer. I never felt so emotional in my life for this one child for being brutalize as a scapegoat for no reason. I think this book has change the way how I view life now and I recommend that everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime because this book will change the way how you view life. I give Dave a huge credit for putting all of his effort to overcome the obstacle he suffered and live to reach his destination of freedom. This book definitely needs to be read.
Paul Winter

A Child Called It
This powerful and emotive story has won over millions of readers countless times over and I can see why, this harrowing tale has us on an emotional rollercoaster with a tale of courage, determination and above hope. The use of language and choice events instils a hatred towards the boy’s alcoholic, abusive mother as well as a deep feeling of sorrow and pity for the poor boy who beyond great hardship and abuse strives for his mothers approval to join his brothers in the family fold which he has distanced himself further from with his relationship with his mother. This novel has you on the very edge of your seat with the horrific and horrendous ordeals he had to endure to ensure his survival. The humiliation forced upon by his mother gives this tale a powerful meaning which makes you read on. This story is one boy’s survival to beat his mother once and for all by living through all the hurt she throws at him. Incredibly this book provides the greatest escapism and shows you that your spirit can be tried and tested but never broken. The trouble with this book is that once you pick it up you can never put it down again. Amazing, truly a magnificent read and I urge you all to find time to read it. 10/10
a mommy

amazing
As a mom this seems so sad to me. I can't imagine my child having to endure what he lived through. I didn't get a hold of this book until college. As a social work major I read this in conjunction with a class. It was sorrowful and sickening. I have great empathy for this man- not sympathy. The events of his life made him the great man he is today- the great father, husband, teacher, and speaker. One of the best books I have ever read. I recommend this to all educators, human services workers, and parents. It should be required reading right along with the shaken baby video.

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