A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy

by Dave Pelzer

A Child Called "It"

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.

The Lost Boy

Dave Pelzer's sequel to A CHILD CALLED 'IT' As a child, Dave Pelzer was brutally beaten and starved by his mother. The world knew nothing of his living nightmare and he had nothing and 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. Finally, his horrific plight could no longer be hidden from the outside world and Dave's life radically changed. THE LOST BOY is the harrowing, but ultimately uplifting true story of a boy's journey through the foster-care system in search of a family to love. The continuation of Dave Pelzer's story is a moving sequel and inspirational read for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Psychology, Autobiography, Book Club, True Story

294 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1995

About the author

An author best known for his 1995 memoir of childhood abuse, A Child Called It.

At the age of 12, Dave was removed from an abusive home and placed in a series of foster homes. In 1979, he joined the Air Force and later became an author of memoirs and self-improvement books.

A CHILD CALLED "IT" IS COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN.

August 2017 - We are very excited to announce that writer/producer David Goldblum of Conscious Contact Productions has acquired the film rights to Dave Pelzer's, #1 New York Times bestselling book, A Child Called “IT” which was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record breaking six years. Tamlin Hall, whose film Holden On has won multiple awards around the country is attached to direct. Dave Pelzer is adapting the screenplay alongside Goldblum and Hall. The movie is in pre-production, with production set to begin in Spring 2018. A-List talent are already circling the project. Be sure and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. https://www.facebook.com/AChildCalled....

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting and good book. It told me alot about how some kids just dont have the life they want. Alot of kids don't know how to appreciate something until they grow up. This book was about a little boy who had gotton beat all of his life. His mom doesn't treat him like a mom is suppose to: with care. She calls him names and mean things a mother shouldn't say Dave was the little boys name. I learned alot from this book. Soemtimes I think I'm living in hell and i don't learn to appreciate what i have but after reading about this little boys life it really makes me think twice. Comparing both lives, my life would be so much better than his. You think that you are hungry sometimes, this little boy got to eat about every 6 days. And when he did eat he had a time limit on how long he got to eat. This is torture and inhuman that his mom is allowing this. Sometimes his mom would let him start to eat and then take it away from him. She would also put him in a bath tub with freezing cold water. This doesn't show any love and what is she thinking to treat his son like this? What is the purpose of her doing so? This book made me think about alot of things in my life and about other people as well. It's good to cherish whawt you have now. What happened in this book happens out in the real world. It's possible and real. When you have something, learn to cherish it.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard a lot about this book since high school, and knowing the subject matter, I went into it knowing I would be going on an emotional ride. Apparently there is a lot of controversy surrounding this book as to its validity in terms of what the author went through at the hands of his mother. Putting aside the issue of whether or not he is telling the truth, this is a deeply disturbing account of what could (and sometimes does) happen to a child in a violent home. You hear stories on the news about child abuse cases and think how could someone possibly do that to a child, and those same questions swirl around your head while reading this book. I've got to hand it to those who are brave enough to become foster parents, and thank those who become responsible foster parents, for willingly opening their homes to some of the more severe cases of foster children (of which there are some in The Lost Boy part of this two part novel). My cousin and his wife have fostered several children (babies, infants and toddlers) and I have always admired their commitment to their "kids" during their times with them.

[Práxedes Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

This tome contains the first two books of a trilogy. The first book describes the appalling tortures a deranged mother pours onto her child. The second describes this same child's journey out of that nightmare and into foster homes.

Neither is beautifully written. I only read the second book in order to see how this 'damaged' kid makes it in the real world. Although interesting, it wasn't enough to make me want to read this set's final volume.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Having been raised in a great home and having wonderful friends, you could never guess what it would be like to have been abused and trying to survive each day a minute at a time. Working with children and seeing some of the worst cases, this is an insight into why some kids are the way they are. This book makes you want to give compassion to kids who normally would not get a second glance.

[Holly Hoopes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I choose this book because it is a top 100 best sellers right now. This non-fiction book was depressing and I didn't want so much detail on David's abuse :( I did like it enough to read it in a day and I now will probably read the next two just to finish David's story. Since this is a true story and was recorded and the 4th worst abuse case in California.

[Lisbeth Solberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really popular with my students, and since our school library is essentially closed to our students, I bought a two-in-one copy for my classroom. And finally read the book(s) myself. Dave escaped, but I wonder about the other brothers, especially the one who became Dave's replacement. Though I'm not sure my curiosity would drive me to read book three.

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know that I would recommend this book because it was so hard to read. No language or sex but it was just so difficult to comprehend and imagine and think about this poor, young child. I felt depressed the week I was reading it although it does end on a good note.

[Deranged · Rating 2 out of 5]

A difficult book to read, this work brings to light the darker corners of the world and the darker aspects of humanity. Young readers should steer clear of this book till high school at the earliest.

[Ky · Rating 3 out of 5]

My heart broke as this story went on. This book shows how people who have only seen the worst of the world turn around and become the best part of it. To finally break the cycle of abuse is so powerful and an amazing accomplishment.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok but now people are sueing him because they think the story is jank, and quite frankly i agree with them.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh, only read it because a student wanted to read it and I am partnering with her. Depressing stuff, but keeps life in check for the rest of us.

[dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

sad. very sad. scarey even.

[Sherry Mabry · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books were hard to read at times but I am so glad I did. I will be a better social worker because of them.

[Jenna]

The Lost Boy was a very heartfelt book, it will bring some tears to your eyes.It was very descriptive of a young foster boy who is searching for a place that he can really call "home"

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely disturbing tale... no words to describe it. It is shocking and appalling what this young child had to deal with from the hands of his own mother. What could possess anyone to have this much hate for anyone let alone their own child? And the fact that his own father stood by and watched it happen was almost more sickening. The only thing that gave me the strength to finish the book was knowing that a real person endured it physically and I needed to hear his story. The idea that there are many more children out there enduring similar abuse makes my heart break. I truly hope that reading this book can somehow help me to help others; to help heal the world.

[Megan :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read “The Child Called It,” but that was enough. Genuinely heartbreaking how that poor baby was treated.

[Makenzie's Bookself✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most serious books I ever read. It was hard to read at some parts, but it's truly a great book of perseverance and strength coming from a young boy who was not even 13 years old.

[Casper Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe how much this boy went though and still standing tall. He didn’t deserve what happened to him in his childhood. Book gave me shivers down my spin.

[Andrea Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book the “The Lost Boy” is the second novel to “A Child Called It”. It was written by Dave Pelzer in 1997. It takes place in Daly City, California. It talks about how a young boy named Dave who gets brutally abused by his mother Catherine Roerva Pelzer. In this novel it talks about how young Dave survives the night and day tortures of his mother. He learns how to keep up with “the mother”. Every single day she has new traps and games for him. There comes a point where he can’t take it anymore and he wants everything to come to an end and die. All of things he goes through is very sad and makes you get emotional. The good thing about this book is that a lady who he refers to his angel named Ms. Gold saves him. She helps Dave open him self up and talk about all he has went through in his past with his mother. It is very hard for Dave to open up because his mom threatens him that if he tells anything to anyone she will make him live hell at home. Towards the end time by time he learns to loose very small portions of fear of his mother. Ms.Gold puts Dave in with a foster family and he really doesn’t get along with this family. So by time by time he gets put in to different foster homes and it gets kind of difficult for him to adapt to the families. But at least he away from his mother and isn’t tortured no more. I recommend this book to everyone because it is sad and and Dave still has many experiences that he goes through. You will really enjoy this book because it is very detailed and once you open the book and read the first page you will get into it and not stop reading it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My students have been reading and re-reading (!) this book for the past couple of years but I've never bothered to read it myself. I was aware of the story because I saw Dave Pelzer on Oprah several years ago. But... well.... I just didn't want tor read about child abuse. I deal with enough abuse issues at school and I didn't want to bring it home to my leisure time.

These are some hard books to read. They deal with society's blindness towards child abuse and the saving powers of the foster care system (which is so often disparaged). We don't want to know that parents can be so awful; we don't want to become aware of how horrid some kids lives are. Reading these books reminded me of the harsh realities some children face.

I'm going to get the third book, A Man Named Dave, and add the set to my classroom library. Our librarian hasn't been able to keep the books in stock. Let's see if I'm any luckier.

[Chris Schaal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this when I was in search of inspiration into the darkness that sometimes comes with our society. I chose this book because it was based on true events and I needed my inspiration to be plucked from the realities of others and not something of fiction. Had many moments that just felt off to me, like events were over exaggerated or possibly didn't happen at all. The entire book I felt like this. I read The Lost Boy to give the author the benefit of the doubt but it also made me feel the same. I don't know if anything I've read is true but I highly doubt it. Which leads me to the one star review. If you want to write fiction then write fiction but I loathed anyone that uses the term true story to sell something that probably wouldn't sell without that label. Like I said, I'm not 100% sure his story is true but I'm willing to bet that the majority is a fabrication in order to sell a few more copies. I don't normally get rid of books as I strongly believe a book should always find a home but the moment I finished this book I threw it in the garbage, which says a lot.

[Beeka]

Dave Pelzer has won the battle: the nurse and the teachers at school have rescued him. They had saved him from his mother’s physical abuse and verbal abuse. He was a part of a family who stopped considering him a part of the family because he was a bad boy and deserved to be grounded for a long time. He suffered from starvation, gas chambers, beatings, ammonia drinks, etc. He was also “accidently “ stabbed by his mother and almost suffered burns on a stove.

“After the longer “gas chamber” incident, I returned to my wimpy self, but deep inside I could still feel the pressure building like a volcano, waiting to erupt from deep inside my soul.”

The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave are other novels also by Dave Pelzer as a continuation of his life story as he steps out of his past. There are known speculations of the truthfulness to his accounts by his brother and grandmother.

[Khalia Hades · Rating 5 out of 5]

***SPOILER ALERT!!!***

The Lost Boy is a true story of Dave Pelzer, which chronicles his young years as a foster child. I could not put this book down. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Beware! this book will make you cry, it will make you mad, and at the end, you will be cheering and crying tears of joy for Dave. This book will break your heart.

Dave's strength, determination, and unbreakable spirit shine throughout this book. How he survived the brutality can only be called a miracle. It breaks my heart to read of such incredible abuse and one does have to thank the foster parents, social workers and teachers in this child's life.

I recommend this book to those who are against child abuse. It's worth to read.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are fascinating and heartbreaking all at once. I read the first last night, and the second today in less than 2 hours. What I feel left with is not only amazement that this child survived and managed to grow up to be a contributing member of society, but amazement in the differences between the system then and now.

When you read what was done to this boy, you won’t be able to believe that his mother was 1) not punished in the slightest bit, 2) allowed contact with David after he was removed from her care and 3) able to keep her other children without a smidgen of oversight.

Anyway, I highly recommend these books, but be prepared to be horrified.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4 stars not b/c I "really liked it" but b/c it's a powerful story & I'm in awe of what this boy endured to become a man. This is not a book for the faint of heart, especially b/c it's an autobiography. It's one thing to hear of a horrific situation, but to know it REALLY happened & to read the thoughts that went through his mind... It will disturb & haunt you for days, but the reality check is priceless. It's a heartbreaker, but I'm better for reading it & being more aware. I find it much easier to give the benefit of the doubt to anyone & everyone after this. FYI: don't eat while reading, it will turn your stomach.

[Yashoda Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, I could not believe that a child could go through all that he did , while children in New York are pampered and treated with respect. After i finished reading the book, I was then informed that David, the little boy who was suffering, was actually the author, Dave Pelzer. This book was so amazing because Dave Pelzer found a way to express himself and and let his entire story out. I felt so sorry for him because I never knew a person so cruel like his mother. I could not believe it when I read the blurb, I just could not put the book down, it was filled with suspense because the reader did not know what was going to happen next.

[Jade Pulido · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is amazing and is my favorite book so far out of the many books I have read. This book is really fascinating in its own ways and very heart breaking at once. The first time I read it, I read it in less that two days. I recently had the chance to read it again and I really understood this book differently and and noticed certain things I never had before. I was so shocked at how a mother can treat her own child so horribly and give her others love. I found it amazing how this child "Dave Pelzer" had survived serious abuse. And I would definitely recommend this book to anyone because it is also very inspiring in its own ways.

[Tara Dulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting. I read it in less than 24 hours. This is an incredible (albeit heart-wrenching) true story. Parental discretion advised. This book is not for minors or people with weak stomachs. But I would recommend it to anyone who delights in stories of unbelivable courage, or to anyone who thinks they've had a tough childhood. I want to learn more about this incredible soul, Dave Pelzer, and I will definitely read his 2 subsequent books. I am inspired, haunted, and utterly moved by his story. I could write more, but I'll leave it at that. Read it!

[Ally Femrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Lost Boy. I read A Child Called It before hand. This story moved me very much. David's mother was a very big menace in both stories. This book was about David's life and what his mother did to him through out the years. If I were in David's situation I would have deleted my mother from my life. David went through alot of rough things and i felt alot of empathy for him through out the book. She expected David to comply to very in humaine things. she abused that poor child and if I were him I would have not been able to forgive her.

[Chandler Connelly]

this book was a good book. this book told about a young boy life and how he was treated. this young boy was treated unfairly from the rest of his family. his mother treated him so bad and his older brothers so good. the mother made sure he did not eat. at one point she had tried to kill him by putting him in the oven while it was on. when he was hungry she still would not feed him. when he ate she would make him throw all of it back up out of his mouth and make him reeat the food. while the father was right there he would noy help him because of the mother.