A Child Called It by David Pelzer: A Review of the Literature - Essay Example

David suffered through not only the abuse but from being sent to live in a series of foster homes; he gradually dealt with the trauma and went on to travel throughout the world promoting inspiration and resilience. In fact in 1994 he became the only American to win the 'Outstanding Young Persons of the World' award."In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit, Spirit, Humor, and Wit. As a child, his resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, his inspirational message and sense of humor and wit have empowered countless individuals throughout the world to overcome their challenges whether personal or professional - to meet and achieve their goals head on.

" ("Goodman", n.d.).Dave Pelzer is recognized as being easily one of the nation's most effective and respected communicators, whose presentations provide an emotional and encouraging message that touches the hearts of the audience.The themes of Pelzer's books are somewhat controversially quite personal to himself, and (the majority) thoroughly discuss the extraordinary experiences that he himself went through as a child; he nearly died several times by the hands of his mentally disturbed, alcoholic mother, was put into foster homes at age 12, and enlisted in the U.S. air force at age 18.

Some of Dave's distinct accomplishments have been recognized through the presentation of awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. Pelzer's first book, A Child Called It, and his latest book, Help Yourself, have both been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Dave is also one of the only authors to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Bestsellers List and is the first author ever to have three books simultaneously on this same list in trade paperback.

Not only that, but he is also the only author to have four #1 International Bestsellers. A Child Called It is a heartbreaking story about Dave's own personal experience; it is about a boy named David and his courage to survive the brutal attacks of his mother. It is the unforgettable story of a child whose courage and unyielding determination enabled him to survive life-threatening odds. It tells how David learned to play his mother's sinister games in order to survive because she no longer considered him her son, but instead but a slave, and no longer a boy, but "it".

A Child Called It is the first part of a trilogy series, and is currently in nine languages and has been read by millions throughout the world. It is rather easy to see how incredulous Dave Pelzer's life and personal attitude are, and how remarkably he transformed evil and negativity in his own life into a positive form of motivation for others. Rather than pitying himself and continuing the cycle of hurt and bad fortune in his life, he decided to stand up for himself and turn it around, and as a result, assisted in the transformation of many others' lives as well.

Dave Pelzer is not only a remarkable and intelligent writer, but - and perhaps more importantly so - is truly a great man. He obviously appreciates life, and takes the best out of the worst and the contributions he makes for others is truly special. Dave is one of few personalities who pay homage to educators, social services, foster care, law enforcement, and volunteers - those who make a difference in the lives of children.