A Child Called 'It'

One Child's Courage to Survive

By: David Pelzer

Narrated by: Brian Keeler

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

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)

Great in a terrible way

Would you consider the audio edition of A Child Called 'It' to be better than the print version?

No

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Child Called 'It'?

Description the author puts into almost every part of the book

Did Brian Keeler do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes he did...but I would have liked to have heard it in a younger voice since the book is about a young boy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

SAD SAD SAD!!!!!!!! 😢😥😰😩😡

I own all of David Pelzers 📖and this one is the most saddest I cannot imagine treating a mean animal this way let alone a little child,he does grow up and makes a great life for himself, I'm trying not to say too much to spoil the book for somebody else but it really makes me appreciate what I have in life and how I was treated growing up, I cried through the whole 📖 it is a must-read. A Child Called "It" and all of David Pelzers 📖 the most saddest and unbelievable thing is these are all true stories of David pelzer's life.

Very important story.

Felt angry for David through out the entire audio book. A story about a mother who almost kills her child over and over. However, David's strength as a kid is inspirational. The narrator didnt do much for me, wasn't bad but wasn't completely taking on each character's role. Just sounded like a average narrator reading from a book. Which is okay, but the story is worth the purchase. You'll be left in shock and anger, but it's worth the pay off of listening to his present self speak.

Powerful

A heart wrenching story of what this boy suffered. No child should suffer abuse; especially the extreme abuse he went through.

great read

i completely enjoyed this book.can fully recommend it to others. i am glad i got it

Wonderful

This book was so sad and touching. Very inspirational. Can't wait to read the next book. A definite must read.

SO SAD!!

This is one of the saddest stories I've ever heard! I hope she is burning!

Sad but very heart touching.

I have always loved reading this book because it always makes me a better person and reminds me to keep my head up.

Absolutely love the book

I read it at times it made me mad and sad even made me cry

OMG! HORRIFYING!

The torture this poor boy went through is shocking & disgusting at the same time. I cried while reading this. I would read this book & the 2nd book again for sure!!