A Boy Called "It"
One Child's Courage to Survive - Dave Pelzer - ISBN 1-55874-366-9
"A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer is a harrowing account of the author’s severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother. It is one of the most extreme examples of shaming, as his mother subjected him to relentless emotional and physical torment, stripping him of his identity and dignity. The title itself reflects the ultimate form of shaming—reducing a person to an object or "thing" rather than recognizing their inherent worth as a human being.
Themes of Shaming in the Book:
Dehumanization: Dave’s mother calling him "It" stripped him of his name and humanity, which is the essence of shaming—attacking someone’s core identity.
Isolation: He was separated from love and support, a hallmark of deep shaming that aims to isolate victims emotionally and socially.
Emotional Scarring: The relentless verbal and emotional abuse caused long-lasting psychological damage, showing how words and actions of shame can leave scars deeper than physical wounds.
Why It’s a Profound Example:
This book powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of shaming when left unchecked. It shows that shaming isn’t just an attack on the moment—it’s a sustained assault on a person’s spirit, leaving wounds that can take a lifetime to heal. Yet, it also demonstrates the possibility of resilience and redemption, as Dave ultimately finds his worth and a path to healing.
Back Cover:
A Child Called "It"
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, unpredictable 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."
Dave’s bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing and no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive—dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.
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.