Bat and the Waiting Game

November 1, 2017

Gr 3-6-Bixby Alexander Tam, better know as Bat, is back. Picking up a week after A Boy Called Bat left off, this is a strong and more plot-focused sequel. Raising Thor, the skunk kit, has given Bat purpose and confidence. He's upset when his sister Janie lands the lead in the school play and will have after-school rehearsals, which will break his routine and require him to spend a few afternoons a week at a friend's house away from Thor. Bat's world expands as he navigates experiences that have been challenging to him: friendships, collaborative projects, and even messy things like art. Despite these strides, Bat still harbors a resentment toward Janie and feels guilt about spending less time with Thor. While the novel stands on its own, familiarity with Bat and his family will help deepen readers' understanding and enjoyment of this latest installment. Bat's autism is occasionally referenced, but it is not the major focus of the narrative. Bat is a delightful, inquisitive, and occasionally mischievous boy and the realistically portrayed themes explored in the book like sibling rivalry, living in two households, and shifting friendship dynamics will resonate with a wide variety of young readers. Short chapters are peppered with frequent illustrations of emotional moments. VERDICT This humorous follow-up is even stronger than its predecessor and will leave readers hoping for a third book featuring Bat and his family.-Juliet Morefield, Belmont Library, Portland, OR

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2018
Bat, a biracial, autistic grade schooler with divorced parents, is raising a baby skunk, Thor.It's easy to read between the lines and imagine that might not end with a sweet smell. Bat's older sister, Janie, has just won a leading role in the school musical. Her interactions with friends and preparation for the play weave in and out of Bat's less-typical experiences as he navigates the complexities of friendship with white classmate Israel, tries to live up to his Chinese-American father's sometimes-unrealistic expectations, and manages the needs of Thor under the compassionate supervision of his white mom, a veterinarian. She and his teacher both have effective ways of helping Bat when he starts to lose control, and Israel matter-of-factly reminds him when he ought to be more polite. Bat's differences are there, but they never dominate the story, which focuses on the challenges of getting along with siblings and Bat's awareness that Thor is growing up and will have to be released eventually. That's made all the more evident when he tucks the skunk into his shirt and takes him to the play, where the inevitable occurs, emptying the auditorium during Janie's solo and ending the show under smelly circumstances.A gentle tale of shared similarities rather than differences that divide and a fine read-aloud with a useful but not didactic message of acceptance. (Fiction. 6-9)

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January 1, 2019
Although Bat (A Boy Called Bat) doesn't like change, with older sister Janie at play rehearsal Bat must spend afternoons at new friend Israel's house. Thankfully, he has pet skunk Thor...but then Thor ruins Janie's performance and Bat must make things right. Arnold continues her sensitive depiction of Bat's autism, particularly as he struggles with accountability. Black-and-white illustrations convey the warmth of this loving family.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)