A Child Called 'It'

Name: A Child Called 'It'
Author: Dave Pelzer

Not recommended

Content we'd steer families away from.

Published: 1995
Ages: 16–18

About the book

A harrowing account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history.

AI summary

A harrowing account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history.

Why parents choose this book

What makes A Child Called 'It' worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 16–18.
Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Biography.
Personality fit: kids ages 16–18 who enjoy a good story.

Parents love this book because

Written by Dave Pelzer, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy A Child Called 'It' if they…

Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 16–18

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 16–18 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Young adult

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We don't broadly recommend A Child Called 'It' for the 16–18 age band; see the notes above before choosing. It leans into biography in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Dave Pelzer's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.