48 pages • 1 hour read
Elana K. Arnold, Illustr. Charles SantosoA Boy Called Bat
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Valerie’s and Dad’s Cars
The cars that Bat’s parents drive are symbols that represent larger concepts related to both them and Bat. Bat’s mother Valerie drives a “burgundy station wagon” (63), while his father drives a “fast little yellow convertible” (36). The cars symbolize the parents’ mindsets and values and Bat’s feelings. Valerie’s choice of car frames her as responsible and family-oriented. She has chosen to prioritize her children with a larger car with a middle seat (which Bat requires to feel secure). Dad’s vehicle, which is small and flashy, is used to show that he does not prioritize his children. Rather, he focuses on himself and his independent lifestyle. By using the cars as symbols, Arnold illustrates key characteristics without explicitly stating them.
The cars also implicitly reveal Bat’s feelings regarding his life at home with his mother and visits to his father. He has a much stronger connection with his mother, who provides a safe and comforting environment for him, as opposed to Dad, who creates a challenging and stressful environment for his son. The use of car symbolism is designed to help the reader understand the contrast between Bat’s emotional states when he is with his mother and when he is with his father.
Babycakes
Babycakes symbolizes a safe space for Bat and the other children in his class. He is described as “a white angora bunny that looked like a giant fluff ball” (53). An illustration (54) accompanies this description, showing a long-haired rabbit sitting on top of a kennel. The visual representation of Babycakes enhances his symbolism as an approachable friend, with his charming appearance and quiet nature, which is important given the intended audience of the book.
Mr. Grayson’s open-door policy for Babycakes demonstrates the importance of having a safe space for children to seek out when they need to collect their thoughts and feelings. As such, Babycakes also develops the theme of Compassion in the Classroom.
Thor
The care of Thor, a skunk kit, is a motif that propels Bat’s character arc—representing the concepts of compassion and connection. When Thor comes into Bat’s life, he is a newborn skunk kit, helpless and vulnerable. With care, he grows stronger, his fur comes in, and he opens his eyes. This mirrors Bat’s own mental and emotional journey.
At the beginning of the story, Bat is framed as vulnerable due to his communication and social difficulties. Bat is surrounded by people, such as Valerie, Mr. Grayson, and Laurence, who show him deep compassion by accommodating his needs and providing guidance as necessary. This compassion, in turn, leads to his growth. Thor embodies compassion leading to connection through his initial vulnerability, as Valerie, Bat, and Laurence’s care lead to his physical growth. When Thor opens his eyes, it represents Bat’s own awakening to others’ perspectives and self-acceptance. He now understands that he is fine the way he is—he does not need to force himself to be like anyone else. He discovers his own strengths and communication style, enhances his relationships with his family, and forms a new connection with Israel.
