Dave Pelzer

About the Author

Dave Pelzer was born in California, and grew up in Daly City. His parents were Stephen, a fireman, and Catherine, both of whom were alcoholics. In his books, Pelzer describes being horrifically abused by his mother until the age of twelve, at which point Pelzer’s teachers intervened and arranged for him to be placed in foster care. Pelzer later served in the military. In 1995, he published a memoir of his abuse, A Child Called “It” (1997), which quickly became a bestseller. Pelzer later published two further memoirs, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave (2000). Pelzer remains a popular lecturer and motivational speaker.

LitCharts guides for works by Dave Pelzer

Explore LitCharts literature guides for works by Dave Pelzer. Each guide includes a full summary, detailed analysis, and helpful resources for studying Dave Pelzer's writing.

A Child Called It

The memoir begins in 1973, with Dave Pelzer, a fifth-grade student living in Daly City, California, doing his morning chores for his Mother, Catherine Roerve Pelzer. Mother hits Dave, and Dave th... view guide