Bats and Burglars

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

On the last day of school in June, Sam meets Simon, a boy the same age
who is new to the neighborhood. Sam’s best friend has just moved away
and it would seem natural for the two boys to become friends, but Sam is
still upset at the loss of his best friend. So Simon suggests that they
start a “bat club,” and together they build a bat tree house. Then
they invent a secret bat handshake and code, and plan bat adventures. In
the course of pursuing these activities, they get revenge on a gang of
bullies, foil an attempted robbery, and make new friendships.

This enjoyable First Flight Reader features short chapters with
easy-to-read spacing and illustrations that clarify the text. Its
fast-paced plot will appeal to young readers with a sense of adventure.
Children can easily identify with the protagonists’ thoughts and
feelings and relate to the way the characters express themselves. The
situations the boys find themselves in are believable and their actions
appropriate. It is especially gratifying that the young heroes receive
recognition for preventing a crime. Recommended.