Description

Bixby Alexander Tam—nicknamed Bat—has a knack for noticing the world in his own way, and when a “good surprise” arrives in the form of a baby skunk, his life tilts toward something wonderful and complicated. With one month to prove to his mom that the skunk could be a terrific pet, Bat navigates school, friendships, and family routines while learning how to communicate his needs and handle change. Warmly funny and deeply heartfelt, this middle-grade story explores autism with honesty and care, celebrating sensory experiences, empathy, and the bonds that form when people truly try to understand one another. Elana K. Arnold’s accessible, character-driven style makes Bat’s journey feel both relatable and quietly powerful, perfect for readers who love stories about belonging, resilience, and second chances.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Walden Pond Press

Published Mar 14, 2017

ISBN: 9780062445827

available

Reviews

5.00
out of 5

1 rating

Community Reviews(1)

@majorboredom78Jun 24, 2026

Bixby Alexander Tam is a character that is going to stick with me for quite a long time after finishing Elana K. Arnold’s A Boy Called Bat. As an educator in a classroom for last 15 years, Bat reminded me of a conglomeration of so many students I have had the opportunity to teach. I cannot wait to join the Global Read Aloud movement this year and read this story to my first graders! Such a great story to talk about being accepting of others when they may not typically fit a mold of what peers think they should. ❤️❤️❤️

Details

First Published

2017

Language

eng

Content Warnings

Content and trigger warnings for A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold.

Abuse
Death/Grief
Animal Cruelty