Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed on 12/11/2008 + 87 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

My mother gave me this to read (along with the other two), saying it was a "must-read for anyone who works with children." As someone who taught school for 38 years, including during the time that Pelzer was in the school system, it was interesting to hear her perspective on being a teacher in the 1970's, where you were encouraged to mind your own business rather than speak up about suspected abuse on one of your students. As a result, it took years before Pelzer was rescued from his home. It makes you wonder if the process would have been a lot faster today (one hopes!)

The book makes you so angry at his mother for the horrific abuse, but even angrier at the people who stood by and allowed it to occur - certainly his father, but to a lesser extent his teachers and brothers. Even if you don't work with children, it is a wonderful story of the triumph of the human spirit. I'll be reading both follow-ups.

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