1. 1914 Brookton DR.
Temp, Mi 48182
October 8th 2009
Dave Pelzer
P.O. Box 1846
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Dear Mr. Pelzer:
I am a current eighth grader at Bedford Junior High School, which is located in South east Michigan in a
city called Temperance. I am an all A’s student and I play many sports. I read your book called A Child
Called “It”. The book was wonderful. I read this book on a recommendation by my sister while we were
on vacation. I was currently reading a different book called Iron man and when I saw the book my jaw
dropped. I couldn’t put the book down and I read the book in the two days we spent at our cottage. I
thought the book was overall sad and when (you) as a child was sent free I nearly cried.
Your book was amazing. My favorite part of the story was when you snuck to the store during recess just
to get whatever you saw first on the shelf. I loved this part because I felt like you felt a sense of success
and you were happy with yourself for once in your life. “I grabbed the first thing I saw on the shelf, ran
out of the store, and raced back to the school. Clutched tightly in my hand was my prize, a box of graham
crackers (60).
I connected with this story because I’ve been left out before. During Christmas, your brothers got to open
their gifts while you sat at the top of the stairs and watched them. Also, when you went to school, people
called you Pelzer-smelzer, and left you out. I’ve been left out before and I know what it feels like to have
people not like you or appreciate you. “As I sat at the top of the stairs while my brothers finished up
opening their gifts, I could hear angry words coming from both of my parents”. (150)
A Child Called “It” is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read. I have learned a tremendous
life lesson from this story. I learned to never give up and to just suck it up and get through it. As your life
went on, you got through it and you were freed. “No I told myself, I don’t need her help” (097). That
excerpt was one of the lessons you explain as you told your self that you can pull through without her.
I am so joyful that I read your book because I learned from it. I have learned how dreadful child abuse
can really get and how to push yourself through it. Also, to not depend on others as they might not help
you out like you think they will. I would recommend this book to my mother. She hasn’t read in years and
when I picked up the book I Could not set it down. I think A Child Called “It” would be a wonderful way
to get her to start reading again. One question that I have is do you ever have flashbacks on any of the
terrifying events? Also, what are your safety tips for other kids who are getting abused in there own
homes?
Sincerely,
Trevor Purcell