A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

6.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,333 ratings

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read

$9.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.

From the publisher

The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum, from acclaimed author Elana K. Arnold and with illustrations by Charles Santoso. For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises—some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter. But the minute Bat meets the kit, he knows they belong together. And he’s got one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet. “This sweet and thoughtful novel chronicles Bat’s experiences and challenges at school with friends and teachers and at home with his sister and divorced parents. Approachable for younger or reluctant readers while still delivering a powerful and thoughtful story” (from the review by Brightly.com, which named A Boy Called Bat a best book of 2017).

At a glance

Format
Pages: 160
Words: 21,164
Reading age: 6–10
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 760L

Themes & topics

Books about autism Books about sharing Books about disabilities Books about jobs and careers Books about bats

After the last page

Talk about it together

Bat (Bixby Alexander Tam’s nickname) is a life-like character of a boy on the autism spectrum, and this wonderful book can help you understand autism better and develop empathy. What did you learn about autism through Bat's story?

Bat makes a friend who loves Bat just the way he is. What do you learn from their friendship? What do you appreciate about your own friends, and how can you be a better friend to those who are different from you?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.8

out of 7

6.8

“Bat is a wonderful, developed character in this story about an animal-loving boy on the autism spectrum who thinks a skunk makes the perfect pet. This story can really help children reading understand and have empathy for those on the Autism spectrum as you read about how Bat feels and the way his friends interact with him. You also get to learn a lot of fun things about skunks!”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one