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A Child Called “It” is a true story about a boy named Dave Pelzer. This story is about his hard childhood, filled with pain but also hope. Dave faced one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. Even though his mother treated him badly, Dave showed amazing strength. Today, his story helps many people understand what happens when a child is abused, and it gives hope that they can survive and live a good life.
Why This Article Is Worth Reading
This article tells the story of Dave Pelzer, who wrote A Child Called “It”. It is important because it explains how children can survive hard situations, even when it feels like there is no way out. Many children suffer abuse, and Dave’s story is one of hope, courage, and healing. It helps us learn what child abuse looks like, how we can help, and why we must speak out.
Table of Contents
Who Is Dave Pelzer? Writer of A Child Called “It”
Dave Pelzer was born on December 29. He grew up in California. As a little boy, Dave had a normal family, but when he was just four years old, things changed. His mother, who was once loving, started to treat him very badly. Dave’s mother became an alcoholic, and she used cruel ways to punish him. She even stopped calling him by his name and called him “It” instead. This story of child abuse is one of the hardest stories of abuse people have ever read.
But Dave did not let his sad story stop him. He grew up, joined the U.S. Air Force, and became an author. He wrote A Child Called “It” and other books to help people understand what happens to children like him. His books help others survive because they know they are not alone. Dave’s distinctive accomplishments have inspired many to overcome their challenges, even if their own families made them feel worthless.
What Is A Child Called "It" About?
A Child Called “It” is an autobiography, which means it is a book about Dave’s own life. It is the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California. This memoir shows how Dave survived the abuse at the hands of his mother. His mother, who was once a loving parent, turned very cruel and made Dave’s life hard every day. She no longer considered him a son and no longer treated him like a boy. Instead, she forced him to play strange, hurtful games in order to survive. She treated Dave like he was not even human.
Dave’s mother forced him to sleep on an old army cot in the basement, and she often left him without food. He had no one to turn to for help. She made him eat garbage and sometimes a mixture of ammonia. His mother’s abuse went on for many years, and she even stabbed him in the stomach. Dave’s father knew what was happening, but he didn’t even try to stop it. Dave felt so alone.
Dave Pelzer’s Life with His Mother
Living with his mother was a nightmare. She made Dave do things that no child should ever have to do. His bed was an old army cot in the basement, where it was dark and cold. He was not given the luxury of food like the other children in his family. His mother would let him eat only scraps that were left over or food even a dog would not want.
She played what Dave called the “gas chamber game,” where she would lock him in the bathroom with chemicals. He was forced to endure terrible situations because she no longer considered him her son. She said he was no longer a boy but something less than human. Despite all this, Dave held onto his dreams. These dreams kept him alive. He dreamed of someone taking care of him and loving him and calling him their son.
The Day Dave Was Rescued
On March 5, 1973, everything changed for Dave. He was age 12 when his teachers started to see that something was wrong. Dave was always dirty, and he had bruises that he could not explain. His teachers reported what they saw, and child protective services came to help. Dave was finally taken out of his mother’s home, and he was placed in a series of foster homes.
Being placed in foster care was not easy, but it saved Dave’s life. He finally had a chance to sleep without fear and to eat until he was full. He was now free from the hands of his mother, who had caused him so much pain.
Dave’s Life in Foster Care
Even though Dave was safe, life in foster care was still hard. He moved from one foster home to another, and he found it hard to trust people. He was always worried that he would be hurt again. He had so many emotional scars because of what his mother did to him. He sometimes acted out because of all the hurt he felt inside.
When Dave was age 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force helped him find a purpose and structure. Dave’s distinctive accomplishments, like working on secret missions with the F-117 Stealth Fighter, showed how strong he had become. He had survived his childhood, and now he was making a new life for himself.
Dave’s Accomplishments
Dave Pelzer didn’t just survive—he went on to thrive. He wrote A Child Called “It”, which became a New York Times bestseller. Pelzer’s book stayed on the York Times Best Sellers list for a record amount of time. He also wrote two books after that: The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave. These next two books talked about how he healed from the abuse and learned to live a happy life.
Dave also wrote self-help books to inspire others who were struggling. He received many awards for his work, like the National Jefferson Award and recognition as one of the Outstanding Young Persons of the year. He even spent weeks helping troops from 2006 to 2010, performing radio presentations and offering counseling services to those in need.
Lessons from Dave Pelzer’s Story A Child Called “It”
Dave’s story teaches us important lessons about life, kindness, and courage.
- Never Give Up: Dave never gave up hope. Even when his mother hurt him, his dreams kept him going. He believed that someone would care for him one day.
- Take Action When You See Abuse: Dave’s teachers noticed the signs of abuse. They spoke up and saved his life. If you see someone who might be in danger, tell someone who can help.
- Kindness Can Save a Life: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. A kind word or a simple action can bring hope to someone who feels lost.
Customer Reviews of A Child Called "It"
A Child Called “It” is one of the most powerful stories of abuse that people have ever read. Many customer reviews talk about how this book changed their lives. Readers say it was a hard read because of the terrible things Dave went through, but they also recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what child abuse is like. They say there’s no real way to fully understand child abuse without reading stories like Dave’s.
Important Things to Remember
- Child Abuse Is Real: Many children suffer in silence, just like Dave. It is important to know the signs and take action.
- Survival Is Possible: Even in the darkest times, Dave found a way to survive. His story shows that survival is possible.
- Kindness Makes a Difference: The kindness of Dave’s teachers saved his life. We should always be ready to help those in need.
A Child Called “It” is more than just a sad story. It is a story of hope, courage, and the strength of the human spirit. Dave Pelzer’s journey from being a child who was treated like “It” to becoming a successful author and motivational speaker is proof that no matter how dark things seem, there is always a way to find the light.
If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, remember that help is available. Just like Dave, you can survive and create a bright future full of hope and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to Dave Pelzer’s Mother?
Dave’s mother passed away, and they never saw each other again. Dave forgave her in his heart, not because what she did was okay, but because he did not want to hold onto anger anymore.
Is A Child Called “It” a True Story?
Yes, A Child Called “It” is a true story. It is an autobiography written by Dave Pelzer about the severe abuse he suffered.
Why Didn’t Dave’s Father Stop the Abuse?
Dave’s father knew about the abuse, but he did not intervene. He was afraid of Dave’s mother and didn’t act. This made Dave feel even more alone.
What Other Books Has Dave Written?
Dave wrote The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave. He also wrote self-help books to inspire others.
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2 thoughts on “A Child Called “It” – The Story of Dave Pelzer’s Strength and Survival”
Thank You for this knowledge 💝💝💝
You’re welcome