A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer (Dave Pelzer Series #1)

This is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally abused by his mother that left him nearly dead. She no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it." He no one to turn to, but his dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son kept him alive. Goodreads: 4.12 Grade level ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 Paperback edition: 1995