A child called it

Pelzer, D. (1993). A child called it. Omaha, NE: Omaha Press.

 

 

 

David is a young first grade student who is living a nightmare. The author tells David's story through the use of conflict as he travels down a road a emotional, mental and physical abuse at the hands of his mother. For example, David often has to wear dirty clothes to school and sleep in the cold garage. The author also uses mystery in the story as David's journey continues. At one interval, David's mother allows him to believe that the abuse will stop. Also, he stays in confusion because he doesnt really ever know why his mother is abusing him or what he has done wrong. Furthermore, the author uses survival in the story. David is left by himself and must fight to survive in a world that he thinks is against him.

This is a very controversal book to use in the classroom. While it shows students the first hand account of what abuse is and how it is properly delt with, teachers must consider the graphic exposure of events and situations in the book.

Big Ideas: Child abuse

conflict