A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

() This is one of the best books I've ever read. Not because it's jammed-packed with suspense and shock, though it is, but because it brings you into the eyes of a small, innocent, highly abused and traumatized child. And it's a true story written by the child as an adult! Do not pass down the opportunity to read this book.
As I said, it follows the life of a boy suffering at the cruel hand and evil mind of his mother. He is forced to do everything dehumanizing and horrendous that you can imagine, including eating feces and being the family's slave. He is also denied everything that keeps him living; this includes sleep, food, and basic hygiene.
With late intervention by an outsider, this boy just survives, and comes out of this struggle with larger-than-life battle scars. He turns his experience around for good, and writes this book to help educate others. Child abuse is real, prevalent, and very serious. There are warning signs, and it is not to be taken lightly. This book is a testimony to that fact.

Beautiful Child by Torey Hayden

() The basic premise of this book is based around a special education teacher and one of her students. The student is a young girl who never responds, even physically, to anything. Tests show she physically can, but won't. The teacher is passionate about her work and never gives up on her, including spending loads of personal time trying to initiate help in the family. She makes small breakthroughs with connecting and initiating rare responses from the child. Soon though, it becomes clear there is some form of abuse occurring in the home. The girl, Venus, is rushed unconscious to a hospital. I won't give away the ending, but it is a great read that is completely realistic in nature and inspiring in its tale.