The Lost Boy

What is the significance of the title, The Lost Boy? 

How do Ms. Gold, Lilian Catanze, and Alice Turnbough each serve as surrogate mothers to David at different points? How do Harold Turnbough, Michael Marsh, and Dan Brazell serve as important father figures?

During his years in foster care, David discovers that many people are prejudiced against foster children. In what ways does Pelzer’s memoir reveal these common preconceptions about foster care to be false? 

How does David develop over the course of the memoir? In what scenes does he begin to show greater maturity? 

What is the significance of Guerneville and the Russian River for David? How do his memories of feeling safe and happy with his family on vacation represent what he is trying to recover throughout his adolescence?

Why is it significant that Dave chooses to join the Air Force when he grows up? How does his interest in motor vehicles, friendship with Michael Marsh, and overall desire for freedom all contribute to this choice?

Write about the significance of state government services in David’s growing up. How do his experiences with the police, child protection services, and the juvenile court and penitentiary system shape his upbringing? 

What is the significance of the scene in the Epilogue where Dave watches the one-legged seagull defend itself against a flock of gulls? Why does the gull make him think of his years in foster care?