History of Dave Pelzer in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2025

Dave Pelzer is an American author best known for his autobiographical book, "A Child Called 'It'," which details his experiences of severe child abuse. The memoir achieved significant commercial success, appearing on The New York Times Best Seller list and selling millions of copies. However, Pelzer's work has also faced controversy and criticism, with accusations arising from family members and journalists alleging fabrication or exaggeration of events described in his books.

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Full Timeline

December 29, 1960: David Pelzer's Birth

David James Pelzer was born on December 29, 1960. He later became an author known for his autobiographical and self-help books.

March 5, 1973: Placed in foster care

On March 5, 1973, at the age of 12, Pelzer was placed in foster care after his teachers intervened due to the abuse he suffered.

1973: Sent to a foster family

In 1973, at age 12, Pelzer was sent to a foster family due to severe abuse he suffered as a child.

1979: Joined the U.S. Air Force

In 1979, at the age of 18, Pelzer joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the Gulf War.

1995: Publication of "A Child Called "It""

In 1995, Pelzer's first book, A Child Called "It", was published. It details the abuse he suffered in his childhood.

A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive

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1996: Summer Olympics torch relay

In 1996, Pelzer participated in the Summer Olympics torch relay.

1997: Publication of "The Lost Boy"

In 1997, Pelzer's second book, The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family, was published. It covers his experiences during his teen years in foster care.

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

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2001: Reader reactions to "A Child Called "It""

In 2001, Orion UK Publishing reported receiving numerous letters from readers who found that Pelzer's book, A Child Called "It", mirrored their own childhood experiences. Readers express feeling understood after reading the book.

A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive

Check it on Amazon

2001: Publication of "Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness"

In 2001, Pelzer wrote and published a self-help book titled Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness.

Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness

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2002: Pat Jordan's article questioning Pelzer's recollections

In 2002, Pat Jordan wrote an article in The New York Times Magazine questioning the reliability of Pelzer's recollections of his abuse, stating Pelzer couldn't recall details that would authenticate the abuse.

2010: "A Child Called "It"" challenged in United States

Between 2010 and 2019, the American Library Association reported that "A Child Called "It"" was frequently challenged and banned in the United States. The book landed the 36th spot on the list of the top books challenged between 2010 and 2019.

A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive

Check it on Amazon