Bat and the Case of the Yips

By: Elana K Arnold

Published by Clarion Books, 2026-03-24

The fifth installment in the funny, heartfelt, bestselling and widely acclaimed 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 kit. Especially not baseball--even though it's his Dad's and his best friend, Israel's, favorite sport. 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. It's not long before 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?