Bat and the Case of the Yips

In the fifth book of a series by Elana K. Arnold, young Bixby Alexander Tam, known as Bat, navigates the challenges of joining a baseball team for the first time, balancing his love for his pet skunk Thor with his desire to be part of a team. His father offers a deal that links Bat’s participation to his ability to keep Thor with him, setting the stage for Bat to face new social and personal challenges. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth in a middle-grade context.