The Story
The fifth installment in the Schneider Award Honor-winning young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum, from National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold.
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed "Bat"), nothing is more important than Thor, his pet skunk. Especially not baseball, even though it's the favorite sport of his dad and his best friend, Israel. And when baseball season arrives and Israel wants Bat to join a team with him, Bat's dad makes him a deal: If Bat plays baseball this year, Dad will let him bring Thor to his apartment when Bat stays with him. It's an offer that Bat can't refuse.
Before long, Bat discovers that being a part of a team requires more than he'd bargained for. But he can't quit the team without giving up time with Thor or letting Israel down....can he?
Author: Elana K. Arnold
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 03/24/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 7.88h x 5.36w x 1.11d
ISBN: 9780063385184
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
Booklist 03/01/2026
About the Author
Arnold, Elana K.: -
Elana K. Arnold is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner The Blood Years, the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and the Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com.
Description
The fifth installment in the Schneider Award Honor-winning young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum, from National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold.
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed "Bat"), nothing is more important than Thor, his pet skunk. Especially not baseball, even though it's the favorite sport of his dad and his best friend, Israel. And when baseball season arrives and Israel wants Bat to join a team with him, Bat's dad makes him a deal: If Bat plays baseball this year, Dad will let him bring Thor to his apartment when Bat stays with him. It's an offer that Bat can't refuse.
Before long, Bat discovers that being a part of a team requires more than he'd bargained for. But he can't quit the team without giving up time with Thor or letting Israel down....can he?
Author: Elana K. Arnold
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 03/24/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 7.88h x 5.36w x 1.11d
ISBN: 9780063385184
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
Booklist 03/01/2026
About the Author
Arnold, Elana K.: -
Elana K. Arnold is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner The Blood Years, the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and the Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com.
