PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Betsy Bat, Team Star by Kat Windness
ABOUT THE BOOK
Bitsy Bat is a star student and the only fantastic flier at Crittercrawl Elementary…until a new nonspeaking student named Enzo Owl arrives and outflies her during recess. Bitsy worries her friends won’t think she’s special anymore, so she’s determined to beat Enzo in the upcoming Critter Games and prove she’s the better flier.
But when her friend Mo needs help during the race, Bitsy must choose between winning and being a star teammate. And while she’s at it, she just might discover that making a new friend is more special than any trophy.
This sequel to Bitsy Bat, School Star is told from an autistic perspective and celebrates how our differences make each of us shine brightly on our own and as part of a team.
REVIEW
The addition of a new classmate who can fly better than she can throws Bitsy into a swirl of worry. She's afraid that the other's won't like her as much if she can't fly better than everyone else. Her efforts to prove herself cause her to overlook her friends a bit. But when it matters most she chooses to put her friends first. Bitsy and her new classmate, Enzo, an owl, are both neurodivergent. The accommodations they both require are a natural part of the story as is the importance of inclusion. Windness's gorgeous art wonderfully highlights the characters, setting, and story line. The author's note and autism glossary help explain the character's behaviors and the reasons for them. The support that Bitsy receives from her family, friends, and teachers shows the importance of loving others and empathizing with their struggles. A great book for sharing and highlighting relationships as well as learning to get along with all our differences. The bright colors and appealing illustrations will catch the eye of many a young reader.
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