Review by Booklist Review
When his veterinarian mom brought home an orphaned skunk kit, Bat transformed from mere animal-adoring third-grader to capable caretaker. In this follow-up to A Boy Called Bat (2017), Bat's world is changing once more. For one, the kit, Thor, is now a six-week-old toddler and his eventual return to the wild looms large. To top it off, Bat's older sister, Janie, snagged a starring role in the school play but afternoon rehearsals are keeping her from another major role: Bat's babysitter. Bat thrives on routine and these shake-ups spur some serious adjustments, but, with family, friends, and a furry creature or two by his side, it's nothing he can't handle. A winsome blend of humor and heart, vibrant characters, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, Arnold's narrative also gracefully explores life through the eyes of a boy on the autism spectrum. From his aversion to crowds to his struggles with friendship, the ever-lovable Bat is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Santoso's sprightly black-and-white illustrations and a third series installment on the way only sweeten the deal.--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
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. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
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. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
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) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
