For most, the definition of abuse in a child’s eyes is being put into a time-out, or not getting that extra piece of cake, and typically, these punishments occur when a child has acted out of place. However, as a child, author David Pelzer did nothing to deserve his punishments, yet his punishments left him near death.

In A Child Called “It”, David endures horrific abuse by his alcoholic mother and extensive bullying at school, while trying to find food, survive, and find a purpose in life. Although his father repeatedly promises salvation, he never follows through with his plans of escape. Throughout his childhood, David endures unimaginable torture and starvation.

A Child Called “It”, written by Pelzer as an adult, is full of details and emotions that will open readers’ eyes; it shows just how horrible child abuse is.

Pelzer starts with a fast forward to the end of the story, showing the reader his fate. From then on, he throws you directly into the horrible punishments by his mother. David’s pain leaks from the pages and straight into the reader, making it easy to feel sad, angry, and happy in just one chapter.

This epic autobiography inspires readers with the fact that child abuse can be stopped, all while showing us just how bad and gruesome the abuse can be. A Child Called “It” is a detailed page turner that will keep you intrigued the whole way, with lots of tears included.