A Boy Called Bat

By: Elana K. Arnold

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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).

©2017 Elana K. Arnold (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

What a difference perspectives make!

This is an endearing story that gives insight into the mind and perspective of a child who has a different way of processing the world and the sensory input he receives. I like how it explains why he responds the way he does and about how things make him feel. Working with students, it was fun to see inside his mind and walk a mile in his shoes too give me insight as to how some of my students perceive the world. I recommend this sweet and endearing story.

The best book!!!👍🏿😃💃🏼🕺🏽👑

I love the book 📚 but he has to do so much for school work so I'm just going to be the first to say that I'm not even going to bed at all because I'm so happy for the rest it's helped me. Keep it up and stay on the same page and keep the book going on the way.

Excellent Bedtime Reader

My grandson loved this book. Very well done. It kept his interest throughout the story.

Entertaining & interesting

My grandson & I listen to this on our trip bring him back home. Loved it as it kept us entertained with a great story with some parts that made us chuckle. My grandson said he can’t wait for the second book :). I thought it displayed the true feelings of kids and how they may interact with others.

just perfect!

a clever and sweet story both for children and grown ups. Nice illustration of characteristics of autism.

Best book in the world thank you!

So good the book has so much detail thank you now I can do a book report!
😊🦄🇱🇷🍉.

The best book ever!

A Boy Called Bat was a very good story about a boy who struggles with relationships with family and friends but finds a deep connection with a baby skunk. Despite his challenges, Bat makes a friend and mends his relationship with his sister. He proves that he can be a good pet caretaker and Thor stays with the family.

A good read.

This is a story of a young man who loves animals. What makes it a special story is that "Bat", the main character, has autism. His autism is never directly addressed or discussed, it is just part of who he is. The extra interesting part is that the story is being told from Bat's point of view. You experience his thoughts and reactions to the world going on around him. This book is an opportunity for those who are not on the spectrum to catch a glimpse of the internal world of someone who is. Also an opportunity for those on the spectrum to meet a character that they may identify with.

Wonderful book

What a great book that helps neurotypical children (and adults) better understand kids who are on the spectrum, without treating them with pity or as "others." The story provided a great jumping off point to discuss how autistic children see the world differently and the challenges this can present for them, as well as how it makes them special. A quick listen that my first grade daughter and I both loved.

"Again, again" my five year old

This years global read-a-loud, A Boy Called Bat, was a great read. My five year old can't wait for the next book in the series, in the mean time she wants to listen to the book again. I hope the audio book comes out soon.