While the book is presented as an autobiography and details the horrific abuse Pelzer endured as a child, there are many inconsistencies and factual inaccuracies that have been raised. These include:
* Contradictions with official records: There are discrepancies between Pelzer's account and official records related to his case, such as the dates and locations of events.
* Lack of corroborating evidence: Other family members and those involved in the case have disputed Pelzer's claims, saying certain events did not happen as described or that he exaggerated the abuse.
* Changes in Pelzer's story: Over time, Pelzer has offered differing versions of events in his book and subsequent interviews.
Therefore, despite being presented as a true story, "A Child Called 'It'" has been widely criticized for its accuracy and should not be considered a completely reliable source of information.