Boy Called Bat, A

Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, lives with his mother and sister, and his dad "every other Friday." When his veterinarian mom brings home a baby skunk, he falls in love with Thor the skunk and his commitment and dedication to Thor convince her he is able to raise the skunk; through the process Bat learns how to be a better brother and a friend. A realistic portrayal of life with an autistic child, the novel would be useful for guided reading groups, literature circles, read-aloud, and stand-alone independent reading in grades 3-6, and support discussions around acceptance, diversity, integration, and tolerance.