Child Called It : One Child's Courage to Survive, A

Book, 1995, Grades 9-Adult 

The first book in a three part series, A Child Called "It" is 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 torturous 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". 

Through each struggle you'll find yourself enduring his pain, comforting his loneliness, and fighting for his will to survive. This compelling story will awaken you to the truth about child abuse-and the ability we all have to make a difference.