Bat and the Case of the Yips

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?

"The latest in Arnold’s series explores the delicate maneuvering that takes place between friends and family. The third-person narrative allows the reader a glimpse into Bat’s rationale and the shift that occurs as he begins to understand others’ perspectives through gentle, honest conversations." - Booklist