A Child Called “It” (Dave Pelzer #1)
by Dave Pelzer
A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer holds a highly rated rating of 4.08 out of 5, based on 311.5K reader ratings. First published in 1995. The book spans 184 pages.
About A Child Called "It"
Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
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.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Dave Pelzer |
| Published | 1995 |
| Pages | 184 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Biography & Memoir, Psychology |
| Average Rating | 4.08 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 311,543 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is A Child Called "It"?
A Child Called "It" is categorized as Non-Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Biography & Memoir, Psychology. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is A Child Called "It" worth reading?
Based on 311.5K reader ratings, A Child Called "It" has an average score of 4.08 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is A Child Called "It"?
A Child Called "It" has 184 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote A Child Called "It"?
A Child Called "It" was written by Dave Pelzer. It was first published in 1995.
What is the ISBN for A Child Called "It"?
The ISBN-13 for A Child Called "It" is 9781558743660.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
