The Lost Boy

“The Lost Boy” “The Lost Boy” is an emotional non-fiction story, an autobiography, of Dave Pelzer’s difficult trials of child abuse and experience in foster care. It is a tale of a young boy who lives in isolation and fear searching for a place to call home, for a family. “The Lost Boy” encompasses themes of love, hate, and ultimate triumph. Dave’s life at home was one of constant terror and “lifeless existence.” He was his mother’s scapegoat and the outcast of the family. His father loved him and tried to protect and stand up for him, but his attempts were always and ultimately overruled by his mother’s wrath. Dave was forced to sleep on an old army cot in the garage, dressed in rags, performed chores, was barley fed, and physically abused by his alcoholic mother. Dave understood that he had a “private relationship” with his mother and that their relationship involved many “games.” Though Dave endured much abuse from his mother, he still loves her and desires her love and acceptance in return. When Dave was finally taken from his home and placed in foster care, he was appointed a social worker, “an angel named Ms. Gold.” Ms. Gold became Dave’s best friend, someone he was able to trust and confide in. He loved Ms. Gold and she loved him in return. Ms. Gold spent a lot of time with Dave at first, but once the trial was complete and Dave was placed in a foster home, Ms Gold visited with Dave less and less. Ms. Gold informed him that there were other children who needed her help. Dave was sad about the infrequent visits but ultimately understood the reasons as to why. Dave spent time in several different foster homes. With each new foster home came a new set of rules and a new way of doing things. Each time he was placed a new foster home he tested his limits. He got in trouble and made friends with individuals who negatively influenced him. Through each situation he grew and learned a little more about himself. Each set of foster