Dave Pelzer
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David James Pelzer (born December 29, 1960 in California) is an author and advocate for children's rights.
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[edit] The abuse
David Pelzer is the author of a number of New York Times bestsellers chronicling the story of his abuse at the hands of his alcoholic mother. Pelzer's work has been the subject of considerable controversy, and the veracity of his stories has been questioned.
According to Pelzer, at the age of 12, he was rescued by his school nurse and principal, who he claims had noticed over a period of a few years that he stole food from other children at school. He was removed from his home and sent to live in a series of foster homes, where he gradually overcame the trauma of his earlier years and later joined the Air Force before becoming an author.
He now travels throughout the nation promoting his books, and speaking out about abuse. His accomplishments have garnered commendations from several presidents. In 1994 he became the only American to win the "Outstanding Young Persons of the World award".
[edit] Works
Pelzer has written a number of books, some of which outline his experiences. Five of these were included in the New York Times bestseller list.
- A Child Called It (1995) ISBN 1-55874-366-9
- The Lost Boy (1997) ISBN 1-55874-515-7
- A Man Named Dave (1999) ISBN 0-452-28190-3
- Help Yourself (2001) ISBN 0-452-28276-4
- My Story (2002) ISBN 0-7528-5371-6, Compilation of "A Child Called It", "The Lost Boy" and "A Man Named Dave"
- The Privilege of Youth (2004) ISBN 0-525-94769-8
- Life's Lessons (2004) ISBN 0-00-714691-4
- Help Yourself for Teens (2005) ISBN 0-452-28652-2
[edit] Controversy
Numerous article have raised questions about Pelzer's works, in the Mail on Sunday ("Is He Making 'It' All Up?"), the New York Times Magazine ("Dysfunction for Dollars"), and the online magazine Slate ("Dave Pelzer - The Child Abuse Entrepreneur").
[edit] External links
This article has been verfied by:
- the Pelzer family
- The state of California
