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  • A Child Called 'It'

  • One Child's Courage to Survive
  • Written by: David Pelzer
  • Narrated by: Brian Keeler
  • Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (74 ratings)

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A Child Called 'It' cover art

A Child Called 'It'

Written 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.

©1995 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books

What the critics say

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

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What listeners say about A Child Called 'It'

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Harrowing Classic

David Peltzer's matter-of-fact recollections of life as a horribly abused child make readers feel viscerally uncomfortable. Mr Peltzer exposes a reality almost too horrific to contemplate. The writing style is effective, the description is mind's-eye vivid, and the message of perseverance in the face of the unimaginable sticks with the reader.
This book was written in 1995 based on the author's 1970s experiences - but is by no means dated. It's an incredible read.

Doubtless, reader Brian Keeler contributes to my positive assessment of the book, too. Mr. Keeler breathes audibly and has an almost nonchalant tone - but he sounds exactly as one imagines the author would sound. This recording represents outstanding casting from Recorded Books Inc.

'A Child Called "It"' merits a legitimate 9.5 stars out of 10. It's a short listen - easily consumed in one sitting - but 100% worth your time. I feel quite fortunate to have gotten this audiobook as a 'Plus' option.. even if Audible asked for a Credit, you wouldn't be going wrong.

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So sad, shocking

Such a shocking true story, at the extreme end of the abuse that some children endure. Provides a lot of respect for child protection services, and teachers, who figured out what was going on, and removing this child from a destructive home. Listen at the end for an afterword. Also, read this book first, then David’s second book, The Lost Boy. His resilience is amazing.

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Hard one

I read this book as a young girl because my mother read it. Scared me so much. Now almost 40 I decided to read it again to see if my memory was accurate. To my shock it was. Great book sad but good

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a must read in your lifetime.

very hard to hear true story. I felt as though I was actually in the moment of David abuse.. this is a book that everyone should read in their life time. This is the reality of many children and needs to be heard/ read

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Very touching story

Very sad, touching story. It also shows how resilient people can sometimes be. I am so glad for the happy ending!

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heartbreaking but a must read/listen to

absolutely heartbreaking, and very sad to listen to but such a good book. I would recommend everybody listen to or read this book at some point in their life. My heart goes out to David and I am so glad he was able to overcome his horrors

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A true survivor of abuse and strength

I had never heard of this horrific child abuse case but listened with both sadness and hope that David could both survive and overcome this. Many of us have no idea what many children live through once they walk through the door to their home every day. Let's hope this makes more people take action when they suspect child abuse (or animal abuse as many times they go hand in hand.

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Review

I loved it. it made me cry at sometimes and out the story it made me mad at the mother

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It was remarkable

This is the first story I’ve listened to on this and I’ve fallen in love with not only this story, but this app.
I was blown away with the intensity of the story and how the audio reader was performing to make it more visual.
This is a story that I couldn’t stop listening to. Thank you so much for this.

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Heart breaking

A heart breaking account of abuse beyond imagination for most, so sad that any one should endure such abuse.

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