A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive author: Dave Pelzer rating: asin: 1558743669 binding: Paperback list price: $11.95 USD amazon price: $9.56 USD

Julie wrote a good review about the book A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer, who suffered some of the most severe child abuse ever reported in his home state as of the date of writing his books. Julie recommended that you start reading Dave's story from the beginning. The book A Child Called "It" is the beginning.

A Child Called "It" is the only book in the series that I have read, and it is harrowing. Dave Pelzer tells the story of his life while being severely abused as a child by his mother over a period of years. He does not come across as feeling sorry for himself. He is simply recounting his experience as it happened. That is big part of what makes the story even more disturbing.

I just wanted to reach into the book and rescue that poor little boy, who was beaten, tortured, and humiliated for years by a very sick woman. How nobody could have noticed his abuse for years astounds me. However, the same thing happened with me, so I guess I should not be too surprised. In part because of Dave Peltzer having the courage to share his story, much more education is now provided to teachers so they can pick up on red flags that a child is being abused before it goes on as long as Dave's abuse did.

From what I understand, book #2 is all about Dave's experience in the foster care system. I cannot wait to read that one, too.