Bat and the Waiting Game

By Elana K. Arnold | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

In the tradition of Clementine and Ramona Quimby, meet Bat. Author Elana K. Arnold returns with another irresistible story of friendship in this Schneider Award Honor-winning series starring an unforgettable boy on the autism spectrum.

For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life is pretty great. He’s the caretaker of the best baby skunk in the world—even Janie, his older sister, is warming up to Thor.

When Janie gets a part in the school play and can’t watch Bat after school, it means some pretty big changes. Someone else has to take care of the skunk kit in the afternoons, Janie is having sleepovers with her new friends, and Bat wants everything to go back to normal.

He just has to make it to the night of Janie’s performance. . . .

Elana K. Arnold's Bat series is a proven winner in the home and classroom—kids love these short illustrated young middle grade books. Other books include A Boy Called Bat, Bat and the End of Everything, and Bat and the Business of Ferrets.


  • Sibling Relationships: Janie’s big moment is Bat’s biggest challenge. He loves his sister, but he loves his routine even more.
  • A Neurodivergent Hero: Experience the world through the eyes of Bat, a thoughtful and caring boy on the autism spectrum who is learning to adapt to a changing world.
  • Making New Friends: When his life is disrupted, Bat spends more time with his classmate Israel, discovering what it means to be a best friend.
  • Empathy and Understanding: A gentle and heartwarming story that helps young readers understand different perspectives and the importance of saying you’re sorry.

Editions of Bat and the Waiting Game

Paperback
ISBN 9780062445865
EBook
ISBN 9780062445872

Read an Excerpt

In the tradition of Clementine and Ramona Quimby, meet Bat. Author Elana K. Arnold returns with another irresistible story of friendship in this Schneider Award Honor-winning series starring an unforgettable boy on the autism spectrum.

For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life is pretty great. He’s the caretaker of the best baby skunk in the world—even Janie, his older sister, is warming up to Thor.

When Janie gets a part in the school play and can’t watch Bat after school, it means some pretty big changes. Someone else has to take care of the skunk kit in the afternoons, Janie is having sleepovers with her new friends, and Bat wants everything to go back to normal.

He just has to make it to the night of Janie’s performance. . . .

Elana K. Arnold's Bat series is a proven winner in the home and classroom—kids love these short illustrated young middle grade books. Other books include A Boy Called Bat, Bat and the End of Everything, and Bat and the Business of Ferrets.


  • Sibling Relationships: Janie’s big moment is Bat’s biggest challenge. He loves his sister, but he loves his routine even more.
  • A Neurodivergent Hero: Experience the world through the eyes of Bat, a thoughtful and caring boy on the autism spectrum who is learning to adapt to a changing world.
  • Making New Friends: When his life is disrupted, Bat spends more time with his classmate Israel, discovering what it means to be a best friend.
  • Empathy and Understanding: A gentle and heartwarming story that helps young readers understand different perspectives and the importance of saying you’re sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bat and the Waiting Game about?

In the tradition of Clementine and Ramona Quimby, meet Bat. Author Elana K. Arnold returns with another irresistible story of friendship in this Schneider Award Honor-winning series starring an unforgettable boy on the autism spectrum.

For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life is pretty great. He’s the caretaker of the best baby skunk in the world—even Janie, his older sister, is warming up to Thor.

When Janie gets a part in the school play and can’t watch Bat after school, it means some pretty big changes. Someone else has to take care of the skunk kit in the afternoons, Janie is having sleepovers with her new friends, and Bat wants everything to go back to normal.

He just has to make it to the night of Janie’s performance. . . .

Elana K. Arnold's Bat series is a proven winner in the home and classroom—kids love these short illustrated young middle grade books. Other books include A Boy Called Bat, Bat and the End of Everything, and Bat and the Business of Ferrets.


  • Sibling Relationships: Janie’s big moment is Bat’s biggest challenge. He loves his sister, but he loves his routine even more.
  • A Neurodivergent Hero: Experience the world through the eyes of Bat, a thoughtful and caring boy on the autism spectrum who is learning to adapt to a changing world.
  • Making New Friends: When his life is disrupted, Bat spends more time with his classmate Israel, discovering what it means to be a best friend.
  • Empathy and Understanding: A gentle and heartwarming story that helps young readers understand different perspectives and the importance of saying you’re sorry.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Bat and the Waiting Game?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Personal safety

Where can I read a sample of Bat and the Waiting Game?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062445865

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Bat and the Waiting Game?

Elana K. Arnold

Who is the Publisher of the book Bat and the Waiting Game?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Bat and the Waiting Game is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062445865) and ebook(ISBN 9780062445872)

Where can I buy Bat and the Waiting Game online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Bat and the Waiting Game from below

Where can I buy Bat and the Waiting Game?