David James Pelzer, known as Dave Pelzer, was born on December 29, 1960, in San Francisco, California. He is an American author renowned for his autobiographical and self-help books. His most notable work, A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive, published in 1995, details the harrowing abuse he endured as a child. This memoir remained on The New York Times Best Seller list for several years, selling over 1.6 million copies within five years. Despite the book's success and the fame it brought Pelzer, it has sparked controversy, with accusations from family members and journalists regarding the authenticity of some events depicted.

In 1979, after being removed from an abusive home and placed in a series of foster homes, Pelzer joined the Air Force. His literary career includes writing both memoirs and self-help books, making a significant impact on readers worldwide. Notably, in August 2017, writer/producer David Goldblum of Conscious Contact Productions acquired the film rights to A Child Called "It", with Tamlin Hall, director of the award-winning film Holden On, attached to direct. Pelzer is also involved in adapting his book for the big screen, marking a new milestone in his career.