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48 pages 1 hour read

Elana K. Arnold, Illustr. Charles Santoso

A Boy Called Bat

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Background

Literary Context: The Bat Series

A Boy Called Bat is the first book in a trilogy by Arnold. The subsequent books in the series are Bat and the Waiting Game and Bat and the End of Everything. As the first book in the series, A Boy Called Bat introduces the main characters and themes that run throughout the series.

A Boy Called Bat is intended for elementary and middle-grade readers. It is written in short chapters and includes illustrations to provide visual context. The images support the text and make it more interesting for younger readers, helping them form mental images of the characters and events. The language and structure are simple and direct, as are many of the literary elements, such as the use of imagery and similes. The themes are widely relatable, so they may speak to a diverse audience. Given the book’s intended audience and subject matter (educating readers in empathy and the existence of different types of learners), it has become popular in schools.

The second book in the trilogy, Bat and the Waiting Game, is narrated by Bat himself (unlike the first book’s limited omniscient narrator). Bat develops new obligations that take up time after school, so he must share some of the duties of caring for Thor. He continues his friendship with Israel, but their friendship faces challenges when Bat has an outburst.

In the third and final book of the trilogy, Bat and the End of Everything, Bat is anxious about finishing third grade, as it means leaving behind Mr. Grayson’s classroom. He is also upset because Thor has grown, and is to be released when he is old enough. However, it is determined that Thor, who is used to humans, cannot be released and he stays with Bat and his family.

The books take place one after another. The second book begins after Janie secures a role in the play she is rehearsing for in the first book, and the third book is set after the play. The time span of the series is relatively short, roughly covering the five months from the time Thor is brought home to the time of his intended release.

Medical Context: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Bat, who is on the autism spectrum, is characterized as having several traits and behaviors commonly seen in individuals on the spectrum. These traits include Bat’s difficulties with interpreting social cues and nonverbal communication, his intense interests, his repetitive movements, such as flapping his hands, and his sensory sensitivities, including his sensitivities to noise and food textures.

Arnold’s book aligns with modern movements revolving around autism acceptance. Autism acceptance holds that those with autism are different rather than “wrong” or someone with a disability. A Boy Called Bat aligns with this perspective through its portrayal of Bat. Bat is not shown as attempting to act more neurotypical. Instead, he finds ways to communicate and cope with his strong feelings that work for him and help him develop stronger social skills. With her depiction of Bat, Arnold supports the message that those with autism need a safe and supportive environment, so they can learn and grow in ways that work for them, rather than in ways that attempt to make them appear more neurotypical.

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