A Boy Called Bat

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2017

Review

Bixby Alexander Tam nicknamed "Bat" is a third grader with autism. Bat and his older sister Janie live with their veterinarian mother. Bat struggles to understand the world around him. One day his mother brings home an orphaned baby skunk that must be nursed until it can go to the wild animal shelter. Bat is determined to keep the skunk as a pet. The story is told in the third person with believable and endearing characters. The well written short chapters have amusing titles. I highly recommend this delightful and realistic portrayal of a family living with everyday challenges. Animal lovers will enjoy the relationship between Bat and the baby skunk. A brief author's note is included concerning skunks.

Overall Book Score: very good