A Child Called “It”

1. A Child Called “It” Written By: Dave Pelzer Presented By: Taylor Blackmon “One Child’s Courage to Survive”

2. Author: Dave Pelzer • Published: September 1st, 1995 • 160 pages • Followed by The Lost Boy • An autobiography about his alleged abuse as a child, by his alcoholic mother Catherine Roerva • Dave has won many awards and personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush About the Book

3. Born December 29, 1960 • San Francisco, California • American author, best known for his memoir of childhood abuse • Dave Pelzer was one of the three most severely abused children in the history of California. The other two are dead • In 1979, after living in a foster home he joined the Air Force and later became an author. About the Author

4. Dave Pelzer- also the narrator; repeatedly gets mentally and physically abused by his drunk mother. • Catherine Roerva Pelzer- David's mother • Stephan Joseph Pelzer- David's father • Stan, Ron, Russell, and Kevin- Dave's four brothers. Characters

5. Dave is doing the dishes when his mother walks into the kitchen and catches him with his hands out of the scolding water. Dave gets smacked in the face and falls to the ground. After getting up, he gets another blow, and gets pushed against the tile counter top. His mother leaves, and Dave finishes the dishes along with his other chores. For breakfast, Dave receives the leftovers of his brothers cereal; Lucky Charms. Because Dave was running late with his chores, he is driven to school in his mothers station wagon. He usually runs to school, barely making it on time. His mother tells him to tell the school he ran into the door. When he arrives, he goes to the office because he is late. The secretary greets him with a smile and moments later the nurse walks in. The nurse does her daily inspection of Dave’s bruises. The principal threatens to call his mother, but Dave begs and cries for them to let it go. He knows if mother gets a call, he will be the one to pay for it. The principal and teachers agree to call the police. David is now free from his mother and is in the custody of the San Mateo Juvenile Department. Chapter One Summary

6. Before Dave was abused, he believed their family was the “Brady Bunch” of the 60’s. They all lived together in a modest, two bedroom home. Dave never really remembered what his mom looked like, but he remembered her glow of love for her children. His father supported the family as a fireman and he loved his family deeply. Chapter Two Summary

7. Chapter 3- Dave starts getting caught for every little thing he does. Dave was disciplined simply by being put into a corner but this changes as Mother changes. She began spending the majority of the day on the couch watching TV and drinking. Dave’s punishments turned into ‘mirror treatments’. He was forced to stand in front of the mirror as mother smashed his tear streaked into the glass. In this chapter mother also takes Dave’s arm and holds it in the fire of the hot stove. • Chapter 4- Dave realizes that school is his only hope. His mom doesn’t let him eat so he starts stealing lunches from other children at school. Dave only gets the leftovers of his brothers cereal; sometimes, and is not allowed to have dinner. Dave’s mother comes up with excuses daily for his newly abused marks. • Chapter 5- Dave was no longer allowed to look at anyone without permission, or he was slapped in the face. No more breakfast or lunch. Dinner maybe once every three nights. While the family ate dinner, Dave was forced to sit at the bottom of the stairs, sitting on his hands, with his head tilted backward like a prisoner. Dave gets stabbed in the stomach. Chapters 3-5 Summary

8. Chapter 6- Dave’s father spends less and less time at home. Dave loses his last hope for protection. Dave was starved for ten consecutive days. One day, mother sent him to clean the bathroom with her usual time limits. This time, she put a bucket full of ammonia and Clorox in the room with him and closed the door. Mother tells Dave to leave the door closed. Minutes later, the room fills with fumes, and a swirl of grey mist forms. Dave collapses and begins spitting up. His throat is on fire and it becomes raw. The only way to survive is to put his face close to the vent until mother finally decides to open the door. • Chapter 7- Stops believing in God and no longer dreams. Begins eating out of the dog bowls. Goes to school with smelly clothes with the kids teasing him. Hates his father for leaving him; but mostly hates himself. Chapters 6-7 Summary

9. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be aware of what really does happen to children and what can happen to them • Don’t judge anyone and be kind to everyone because you never know what they go through in their lives • This was a very sad book and when you read it you feel sorrow for Dave, but then again it makes you think of how thankful you should be Recommendations