Pelzer's first book, A Child Called "It", was published in 1995 and describes the abuse Pelzer suffered in his childhood. His second book, The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family was published shortly after in 1997. The book covered Pelzer's teen years. The third book in his series, A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness[13] was about Pelzer's experiences as an adult and how he forgave his father. In 2001, he wrote Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness which was a self-help book. When discussing his seventh book Moving Forward he said, "My message has always been about resilience".[14]
- A Child Called "It" – Pelzer's first book, it tells his story and describes the abuse he suffered from ages 0–12. Pelzer was physically and mentally abused by his mother. This book goes into detail of all different kind of abuse he suffered, including beatings, starvation, manipulation games, and even being stabbed. Eventually the book ends with Pelzer escaping his nightmare and being placed into foster care.[15]
- The Lost Boy – Pelzer's second book and a continuation of his first book, A Child Called "It". This book was released in 1997 and covers the time period in Pelzer's life when he was in foster care. During this book Pelzer faces great emotional turmoil. He had gone to court and described what his mother had done, ending up with him in the foster care system. Pelzer wondered if the abuse he endured was his fault. While in his first foster home, Pelzer acted out frequently and had a stealing problem. He would still see his mother, who would visit and promise to get him back, but he eventually ended up going through foster families, getting in more trouble, and finally getting sent to a juvenile hall. After Pelzer got out of foster care, he enlisted in the Air Force. The book ends with Pelzer having learned how to treat others and be a better person.[16]
- A Man Named David – This book is the third in the A Child Called "It" series. This book takes place when Pelzer is an adult. It describes him becoming the person he is now, and how he handles what had happened in the past. He tries to find answers and ways to heal in this book, as well as trying to find closure with his biological mom and dad.[17]
Reception of A Child Called "It"
His first book, A Child Called "It," was successful and generated interest.[18] It was listed on The New York Times Best Seller list for several years and in five years had sold at least 1.6 million copies.[19][3] Pelzer was invited to television shows such as The Montel Williams Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show to give interviews after the book was published.
In a 2001 news article Orion UK Publishing's Trevor Dolby said, "We get 10 letters a day from people saying the first book mirrors their own childhood, which is very depressing."[18] One reader was quoted: "(The book) made me see that I wasn't the only one out there...that had this...in their life. That there's people who do understand."[20]
Writer David Plotz criticized Pelzer in an article he wrote for Slate. In the article Plotz says that because Pelzer's parents are dead they cannot question how they are depicted.[3]
Awards
A Child Called "It" has received the following accolades:
- 2010 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults[21]
- 2002 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults[22]
Challenges
According to the American Library Association, A Child Called "It" has been frequently banned and challenged in the United States. The book landed the 36th spot on the list of the top books challenged between 2010 and 2019.[23]
