The third book in the funny and joyful 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 trilogy is a proven winner in the home and classroom—kids love these short illustrated young middle grade books. The trilogy is  A Boy Called Bat, Bat and the Waiting Game,  and  Bat and the End of Everything. Praise for BAT AND THE WAITING GAME: “Delightful. This humorous follow-up is even stronger than its predecessor and will leave readers hoping for a third book featuring Bat and his family.” - School Library Journal Praise for BAT AND THE WAITING GAME: “A gentle tale of shared similarities rather than differences that divide and a fine read-aloud with a useful but not didactic message of acceptance.”  - Kirkus Reviews Praise for BAT AND THE WAITING GAME: “A winsome blend of humor and heart, vibrant characters, and laugh-out-loud dialogue. Arnold’s narrative also gracefully explores life through the eyes of a boy on the autism spectrum.  The ever-lovable Bat is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.” - Booklist Online Elana K. Arnold  is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner  The Blood Years , the Printz Honor winner  Damsel , the National Book Award finalist  What Girls Are Made Of , and the Global Read Aloud selection  A Boy Called Bat . She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com. Charles Santoso loves drawing little things in his little journal and dreams about funny, wondrous stories. He moves around between different countries to live and work. Charles is always on the lookout for bookstores and cats whenever he explores a new place. He is the illustrator of several picture books, including Ida, Always , I Will Read to You , and Dear Unicorn . You can visit him at charlessantoso.com.