A Boy Called Bat, by Elana K. Arnold follows Bat, a boy in third grade who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disability that can affect one’s social communications and can impact their behaviour. One day, his mother, a veterinarian, brings home an orphaned baby skunk to which Bat chooses to name Thor. This becomes a heartfelt story of Bat learning to care for Thor as he navigates the changes he needs to make in order to support him.

Arnold eludes from the term ‘autistic’ and from other diagnostic differences Bat has as being an individual living with ASD. Rather, she refers to Bat’s propensities as characteristics that are embraced and adapted to by his family. Arnold presents Bat as a charming, compassionate, and affectionate character who has a desire to care for animals and who gains responsibility, bravery, and friends along the way. This literature may be best suited for ages 8-11. Concepts such as divorce and disability could be too complex for younger readers and the illustrations and ideas may not be challenging enough for those who are older. Arnold writes for individuals to be able to relate to her characters, specifically, towards Bat. She produces this story as a meaningful capture of Bat’s development in embracing his uniqueness and growth of interactive behaviours. She gives readers a sense of support to encompass their own differences while welcoming and accepting others. This can offer a chance for readers to explore the challenges in growing up, and closely focus on the perspective of growing up differently.