A Child Called "It"

A Child Called "It"
by Dave Pelzer


Published: 1995 Publisher: Health Communications Inc.
Paperback: 184 pages ISBN: 1-55874-366-9

Genre: Memoir
Recommended for ages 14+ and grades 7 - 12.

Plot Summary:
This book chronicles a shocking and horrific account of severe child abuse. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally abused by his mother until he was placed in a foster home at age twelve. His unstable mother played torturous games with him and referred to him as "it" rather than as "boy" or as "son". Yet somehow, Pelzer keeps his dreams alive and in this searing memoir the reader is touched by his strong will to survive. Pelzer leaves the reader with the message that we all have the ability to make a difference no matter what.

Evaluation:
This memorable, upsetting memoir deals in vivid detail with the story of one man overcoming his abusive childhood. There are very intense descriptions of abuse and some curse words which makes the book more appropriate for an older audience. The book will hook readers right away and make them very aware of the unfortunate circumstances in which children can be brought up. It is an eye-opening book and one that makes the reader think and reflect. The knowledge demands relies on an understanding of abuse and mental illness that is fairly complex and only appropriate for older readers. As many books do not deal with such honesty about these topics it is important to have this book in the library. The author overcomes a horrific childhood and becomes very successful thus leading by example to show that nothing is impossible.

Content Area:
English
Health: Child Abuse
Health: Mental Illness

Content Area Standards for English
Common Core State Standards
CCSS Key Ideas and Details Reading Standard Grade 7: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

CA English Language Arts Standards
CA English Standard Grade 7: Narrative Analysis of Grade-Level Appropriate Text: 3.3 Analyze characterization as delineated through a character’s thoughts, words, speech patterns, and actions; the narrator’s description; and the thoughts, words, and actions of other characters.


Links:
Author's Website

Sample Unit to Use With the Text

Contra Costa Crisis Help Center (Location Specific)