Analyze the illustrations that accompany the text. How do the illustrations add to the meaning of the text? Why do you think Arnold chose to incorporate illustrations in A Boy Called Bat?

Examine Valerie’s actions. How does she feel about Bat? What is her internal conflict? Does she change over the course of the book, or does she remain static?

Compare and contrast Valerie and Bat’s father, Dad. How does each of them treat Bat? How does Bat feel about each of them, and why?