<p>As a child, Dave Pelzer was horribly abused, beaten, and neglected by a mother who faced alcohol addiction as well as mental health issues. His was the worst case of child abuse ever recorded in the state of California, and his life was saved only when an attentive teacher stepped in. Pelzer later grew up in the foster care system, and went on to write several bestselling memoirs—including <i>A Child Called “It”</i>, <i>The Lost Boy: A Foster Child’s Search for the Love of a Family</i>, and <i>A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness</i>.</p><p>Dave Pelzer is the author of numerous inspirational books and is a sought-after public speaker. He is the recipient of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, the National Jefferson Award, and the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award, among others.</p>
