A Boy Called Bat
Written by Elana K. Arnold

Publisher’s Summary:
When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat, who has autism, resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently.

Primary Source Pairing:
Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat) is a skunk kit expert. His dedication to Thor, the baby skunk, is compelling and kind. For this primary source pairing, invite students to study a photograph of a baby skunk and make comparisons to Bat’s care of Thor in the book.

Questions for Discussion:

• What do you notice first?
• Find something small but interesting.
• What do you notice that you didn’t expect?
• What do you notice that you can’t explain?
• Make a connection to a characteristic of this skunk kit with something you read in the book A Boy Called Bat.

Credits:
Book Cover and Summary: Follett
Baby skunk photograph: Oswaldo on Wikimedia Commons