The third book in the Schneider Award Honor-winning series Katherine Applegate has called "tender and important," by National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold.

Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat) has been the caretaker for Thor, the best skunk kit in the world...but the last day of third grade is quickly approaching, and Thor is almost ready to be released into the wild.

The end of school also means that Bat has to say good-bye to his favorite teacher, and he worries about the summer care of Babycakes, their adorable class pet. Not only that, but his best friend is leaving for a long vacation in Canada.

Summer promises good things, too, like working with his mom at the vet clinic and hanging out with his sister, Janie. But Bat can't help but feel that everything is coming to an end.

National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold returns with the third story starring an unforgettable boy on the autism spectrum.

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 in the Bat series include A Boy Called Bat, Bat and the Waiting Game, and Bat and the Business of Ferrets.

How does a boy who loves routine handle a summer where everything changes at once?

• A Neurodivergent Hero: Meet Bat, a boy on the autism spectrum, who feels things deeply and works hard to care for the people and animals he loves.
• An Unforgettable Animal Friend: Follow Bat's journey with Thor, his pet skunk kit, as the day he must release him back to the wild gets closer and closer.
• Facing Big Changes: The end of third grade, a best friend leaving for Canada, and saying goodbye to a beloved pet?Bat's summer is full of challenges he must learn to face.
• Heartfelt Family and Friendships: From working with his veterinarian mom to spending time with his sister Janie, this story is filled with gentle, realistic family moments.