i have to say these are some of the most moving , memerable, thought provoking texts i have ever read. Dave Pelzer tells the story of his abusive childhood (he was the 3rd worst case of child abuse recorded in his state) and how times have changed regarding social structure and the views and opinions of society as well as law and the people who govern it. I got this book for christmas and couldnt put it down. The story line written in three various stages of his life is written in the language used by the age group discussed creating an easy flowing and easily understandable themematic structure that can be read on a wide variety of levels. TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT