"A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive" is a memoir written by Dave Pelzer. Published in 1995, the book is a harrowing and deeply personal account of Pelzer's own childhood experiences of abuse and neglect. It chronicles his early years in a dysfunctional family and the severe mistreatment he endured at the hands of his mother.

The book begins by describing Pelzer's life as a happy and normal child until his mother's behavior took a dark turn. His mother, who had once been loving and caring, became increasingly abusive and neglectful, subjecting him to physical and emotional torment. Dave Pelzer was subjected to extreme physical abuse, forced to eat scraps from the garbage, denied proper clothing, and treated as an outcast in his own family.

Despite the horrifying circumstances he endured, the memoir also highlights Pelzer's remarkable resilience and determination to survive. The book's subtitle, "One Child's Courage to Survive," underscores the theme of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"A Child Called 'It'" has garnered both praise and controversy since its publication. Many readers and advocates for child welfare appreciate the book for shedding light on the issue of child abuse and neglect, as it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children. It has also been used as a resource for training professionals who work with abused children.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the book's accuracy and the extent to which it may have been embellished for dramatic effect. Additionally, there have been debates about whether the graphic descriptions of abuse are appropriate for young readers.