This fall, one English 12 class learned an important lesson – you shouldn’t be afraid to correspond with someone just because they are famous.

When Linda Sova’s class finished Dave Pelzer’s book, "A Child Called “It”" this fall, Sova went onto Pelzer’s Web site where she found a phone number and information on a Pelzer's self-help book and video.

Pelzer is not only an author, but a motivational speaker. Calling the number resulted in the donation of Pelzer’s book "Help Yourself", and an accompanying video. The book is autographed, Sova said, and she has shown the video to her class as a lesson in improving your own life and having the motivation to accomplish your dreams.

"A Child Called “It”" is the true story of Pelzer’s upbringing at the hands of an abusive and alcoholic mother. The book chronicles the abuse he experienced until at the age of 12 when he was removed from his home and placed in foster care.

Sova said the story captivated her students and had them all reading - even the ones who normally don’t like to read.

And as if the book itself was not a big enough lesson, Sova said that by reaching out to Pelzer’s office and receiving the donated book and video, her students learned that sometimes you can do something that you didn’t think was possible.

“Don’t be afraid to try,” Sova said. “If you are reading something and you want to know more, don’t be afraid to pursue it.”

After receiving the donated book and video, Sova said her students then wrote thank you letters to Pelzer, which she said resulted in a lesson on communicating.

Besides "A Child Called “It”" and "Help Yourself", Pelzer has also written "The Lost Boy", and "A Man Named Dave". Both books are autobiographical.

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