Parents' Guide to

A Boy Called Bat

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Gentle tale of animal-loving boy on the autism spectrum.

A Boy Called Bat Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 9+

It is funny, heartfelt, and irresistible

I my opinon I think this book is really adjudicative for my two littel twins and they really like the book.
age 5+

Nice

It Is REAL NICE!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (2):

A heartwarming story told from the point of view of a kid on the autism spectrum, this first book in a series succeeds in putting the reader in the shoes of its awkward protagonist. Though it lacks a little in the way of plot, A Boy Called Bat tackles two challenges common to school-age kids: peers on the spectrum and families dealing with life after divorce. Bat's voice comes through very clearly, and his struggles are real enough and simple enough for young readers to comprehend.

Bonus for animal lovers: Because Bat is so methodical, he digs up lots of information about skunks and their development. And the fact that Bat's falling for an animal that's challenging to domesticate rings a metaphorical bell. Bat himself is also a challenge to raise. This gentle story with a lot of heart brings to life an unlikely hero who's worth rooting for.

Book Details

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