Perspective

The story is written in first person by David Pelzer. The point of view is actually the only way the story would work since it was David's story and therefore only David could have told his thoughts, fears, and experiences. The story takes place in and around Daly City, California, where David lives as a child. David's life with his mother happens at "the House", then David lives in a series of foster homes in the area. David describes a series of homes, neighborhoods, and schools where David finds himself over that time. The time is the 1970s during which David grows into a teenager. During that time, there's a stigma associated with foster children, their parents, and the foster families who take in those children. That stigma becomes evident though David doesn't put it into words. As David faces the prejudice and hatred of other children and...