A Child Called "It" discussion

Sydnee Walstad
Period 3
Mrs. Jones
Book Report


A Child Called It

The story starts off in Dale City, California, where Dave lives with his mom, dad, and two brothers. In the beginning, Dave’s family is happy and he is content with life. They don’t have any issues until his mother’s manic behavior begins to worsen. At times Dave’s mom makes him sleep in their garage, because she doesn’t want him being around the family. Because his mom is an alcoholic, she abuses Dave in many terrible and hurtful ways. His mom won’t provide for him, as he begins the year with new clothes and shoes, but then wears the same clothes to school every day for the rest of the year until he becomes dirty and smelly. In the story he starts stealing food to make up for the fact that his mother has been starving him. At one point his mom “accidently” stabs him and doesn’t take him to the hospital for his wounds.
While all of this abuse is taking place, Dave's dad and brothers just watch and allow the abuse to continue to happen. His dad tries sneaking him food and pleading to the wife for some sympathy on Dave’s behalf, but there is only so much he can say to her. Finally, a teacher at school recognizes that something is going on, they have a meeting with the principal and ask him questions, during this time Dave tells about how he felt afraid because he knew his mom would punish him for telling them what was going on. As the police officer walks into the room, he becomes even more afraid because he knows how angry his mom will be. After this, Dave is taken away from his mom. He is sent into the foster care. Slowly he's able to rebuild his life. He is able to forgive and move on, which he writes about in other books.
He speaks of the way his mother would smash his face in the mirror and forced him to say bad boy over and over.
It brings direct attention to childhood abuse and what goes on in an unhealthy environment. Reading this story makes you want to change the ways of the past and make for a better future for children who may go through this type of abuse and these types of issues. As people we have the power to turn this cycle around and make a difference in the lives of these children and even adults that go through abuse,
whether physical or emotional it is the same.
Abuse is a real thing, and this book has a very forward and effective way of bringing awareness to the issue on a more deep and intellectual level. As people who have never experienced abuse or given it much thought, this book helps give a whole new perspective, as you are able to fully see the horrific things that can go on in a child’s life.
The Child Called It is an extremely eye opening story, that makes you want to make a difference.
I suggest this book to anyone who would want to read it.
I give it a 4 out of 5, it is a little depressing but it is very well written and descriptive.