• A Child Called 'It'

  • One Child's Courage to Survive
  • By: David Pelzer
  • Narrated by: Brian Keeler
  • Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,759 ratings)

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A Child Called 'It'

By: David Pelzer
Narrated by: Brian Keeler
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Publisher's summary

Dave Pelzer's astonishing, disturbing account of his early years describes one of the most severe child-abuse cases in California history. This book spent over 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Dave was in first grade when his unstable alcoholic mother began attacking him. Until he was in fifth grade, she starved, beat, and psychologically ravaged her son. Eventually denying even his identity, Dave's mother called him an "it" instead of using his name. Relentlessly, she drove him to the brink of death before authorities finally stepped in. With faith and hope, Dave grew determined to survive. He also knew that he needed to share his story.

A Child Called "It" is the first of three books that chronicle his life. Through publications and public appearances, Dave is now recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected speakers about child abuse.

Listen to the second book in David Pelzer's harrowing, multi-part memoir of child abuse: The Lost Boy.
©1995 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Pelzer's portrayal of domestic tyranny and eventual escape is unforgettable." ( School Library Journal)

What listeners say about A Child Called 'It'

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Courage account of child abuse and neglect

An account of how our society responds to the silent voices of children. Family, social and legal paths to navigate.

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A child called it.

This is a very sad book, but it’s a very good book. You would have never thought that parents would single out one of their children and threat them like this. This is heart break story.

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HARD TO HEAR. POWERFUL

Heartbreaking. Well written and easy to follow. Such great detail that one specific scene made me gag while another had me in tears and outraged at the same time.

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LOVE

Love this book. I've read this book back in middle school. 14 yrs. ago.
PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!

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amazing

great story worth a read and listen. thank you Dave for sharing your story thank you.

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Wow I have no words!

This is such a great but sad book. I am so sorry that any child had to go through this. And David your A brave man to share what you went through with the whole world.

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Heartbreaking

I read this book as a young teenager. I loved the story and instantly became obsessed and started to read the other titles. I couldn’t appreciate this book the way I do now. As a mother and someone who works in the classroom it truly is heartbreaking that anyone would ever want to or feel the need to abuse their children, let alone any child.

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good book

very good book reminds me of my own child hood almost word for word right on

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True story

Thank you for sharing your story. It will touch others in various ways. So glad you are an overcomer and a blessing.

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Perspective Changer

I love David’s vulnerability in this book. I am left heartbroken, but appreciate he shared his story. If you ever wonder why people are the way they are. You struggle with quick judgement of others(be honest with yourself) then the tough read is for you.

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