A Child Called It

Pelzer, D. (1995).  A child called "it": One child's courage to survive.  Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Age Level: 6th grade and up




This book is labeled an inspirational story on the front of the book, but is much more than that.  The theme of this informational book is new and deepened awareness of child abuse.  If you read this book and do not feel enlightened about child abuse, you will not ever.  I cannot say that I enjoyed reading this book, but I appreciate the book and why many teachers are having their students read A Child Called "It".

This book is written in 1st person by the protagonist, Dave, and his struggle with abuse from the age of 4 until 5th grade.  Obviously his mother is the antagonist in this book and does unthinkable things to Dave who she refers to as "boy" and eventually as "it".  Dave's abuse is recorded as the third worse case in the history of California and one can only imagine what the other cases were.  He is starved for days, made to enhale ammonia/clorox blend, made to eat feces, and treated as if he were worse than an animal.  These are just of a few things beyond the endless beatings and emotional abuse Dave has to endure from his mother. 

Ironically, the climax of the book begins in the first chapter where the school nurse records Dave's many, many bruises, scars, and other signs of abuse.  A meeting of school officials, nurse, and teachers is held where Dave finally admits to the abuse.  A police officer takes Dave away from his mother and then the story begins.  We learn of the happier times when Mom is fun and loving.  We then, unfortunately, learn of the dark days when Mother is abusive and blank.

Throughout this story are many teachable moments for students.  Of course, abuse will be the number one discussion point.  Also, throughout the story Dave steals in order to get food of any sort.  This would be an interesting discussion with students.  Ask the students how they feel about the stealing.  Is it bad that Dave stole?  Why is it bad or not?  What would they do if they had not eaten in 3, 4, or even 10 days?  This is an interesting topic because it brings up the ethics issue.

Also in this book, Dave goes against all odds and becomes a better person.  Throughout the book, he is determined not to be broken.  What does this mean to your students?  How can they relate to this person?  Does this make them feel differently about their peers?  Another set of questions would be about Dave's father.  Why did Dave's father allow his mother to treat him this way?  What could Dave's father have done?  How did Dave's father show him affection?

As the book rightfully mentions, this is an emotional and though-provoking book.  At the end of the book, there are resources for help that you can share and discuss with your students.

If you like this book or have questions about this book, be sure to read Pelzer's next books, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave.