A Child Called It Books - Class Set

Funded Dec 14, 2022

Students take notes and observe photos of children who have been physically abused and/or neglected during a Unit of the Child Development course. We discuss how abuse can effect a child physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. At the end of the unit, I have students read the book by Dave Pelzer - "A Child Called It". Students read one chapter each day and answer guided questions about their reading. We discuss the questions and the book. Unfortunately, for some students this story hits too close to home and students are given an alternative book assignment as I do not wish for them to relive past trauma. Students are engaged and captured by this book from the 1st page until the last page. They want to know what happened to the boy later (the story is based on a true story). I have the sequel book by Dave Pelzer - "A Man named Dave" that I read a passage from him about confronting his mother, the end of her life and his dealing with his past traumatic events. I have had students tell me this is the first book they have ever read completely by themselves, and they really enjoyed the book. They realize that a person can be deeply impacted by abuse and neglect and carry scars from that for the rest of their lives. There are 18 students in this class this year and the new books allowed each student to have their own copy and read a their own pace. Thanks to all the donors who contributed to this classroom project. You do make a difference in the classroom and the lives of students.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Crosskno