A Boy Called Bat (hardcover)
by Elana K. Arnold
AR Level 4.6, 3 points
This book is so cute! A Boy Called Bat is about a boy called Bat (a nickname) and he is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Bat’s mother is a veterinarian, and she brings home a newborn orphaned skunk to care for until he is ready for release. Bat becomes very attached to the baby skunk and names him Thor. He sets out to find a way to keep the skunk long-term, despite the advice of his mother and a skunk expert he writes to. The bigger storyline that might not be as obvious to child readers is the way he navigates his every day life with autism. We are able to see social situations and family issues from his perspective, which is one that most of us don’t see, and I really appreciated that.
What I liked about this book was the perspective. Autism is something that is a mystery to those who do not live with someone with autism. I have had many students with autism, but it is a whole different way of thinking, and I think it builds understanding and compassion when we are able to learn more about it. People, including students, are afraid of what they don’t know, and education is the best way to build that understanding. For me, reading about it is the best way to share the knowledge with students.
What I didn’t like about the book is that it wasn’t a quick-moving story, and while it should have taken me an hour or two to finish, it took me 4 days. It may not be the book’s fault, though. I was especially tired this week and just couldn’t stay awake while reading it.
Book 8 of 40
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