Assignment task: Students are to write a reflection on the book A Child Called "It" and should use the following guiding questions:
a.) How would you describe the author's parental relationship regarding disciplining the children? Why do you suppose Dave's mother would act differently when Dave's father was home? Why did she lie about what happened to Dave's arm?
b.) Why do you think Dave's mother was so upset when he had to repeat first grade? Why did she feel Dave had shamed the family?
c.) Why do you think Dave's father acted so helpless when it came to getting food to Dave? Why do you think Dave's mother was so rigid about denying Dave food? Do you think as a parent he should have insisted?
d.) Why did Dave's mother blame him for her problems with his father?
e.) Why do you think Dave's father was so unresponsive when Dave told him he had been stabbed by his mother? Do you think Dave's father was afraid of his wife (why or why not)?
f.) How was Dave's mother's behavior similar to the behavior of a bully?
g.) Why do you suppose it took so long for anyone to do anything for Dave?
h.) The events that occurred in the book took place in the late 1960's and early 70's. Thinking about the historical aspects of child protection in the United States, what do you think has changed?
i.) Why does child abuse still exist in our American society, and in particular, why do you think the rates of child abuse are so high in Dona Ana county?
J.) What was your overall reaction to the book? How can you use this book and other tools to inform your work in the area of child advocacy?