Michael Arroyo has a pitching arm that throws serious heat. But his firepower is nothing compared to the heat Michael faces in his day-to-day life. Newly orphaned after his father led the family’s escape from Cuba, Michael’s only family is his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos. If Social Services hears of their situation, they will be separated in the foster-care system—or worse, sent back to Cuba. Together, the boys carry on alone, dodging bills and anyone who asks too many questions. But then someone wonders how a twelve-year-old boy could possibly throw with as much power as Michael Arroyo throws. With no way to prove his age, no birth certificate, and no parent to fight for his cause, Michael’s secret world is blown wide open, and he discovers that family can come from the most unexpected sources. “The dialogue crackles, and the rich cast of supporting characters—especially Michael's battery mate, catcher and raconteur Manny—nearly steals the show. Top-notch entertainment in the Carl Hiaasen mold.”—Booklist, starred review
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""Heat" by Mike Lupica is a well written novel about a young Cuban boy living in New York City trying to live out his father's dream of playing in the Little League World Series. The story is brilliantly crafted and will appeal to those interested in baseball or not. The author paints the picture of a young boy and his older brother trying to make it work in the big city despite their parents not being present. Not being a sports fan myself, I was skeptical when I began this novel. However, 20 pages in I was hooked. The author made a fan out of me. The book includes Cuban and hispanic cultural references as well as baseball lingo. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read with a great story. It even has a little love story woven in for the romantic in all of us."
— Mr. (4 out of 5 stars)
“Top-notch entertainment.”
— Booklist (starred review)" wow! this book was great. at first i thought dang we have to read a book but when i started reading i didnt want to stop. this book was full of thrills and exciting scenes. i loved this book i would recommend this book to any person that likes baseball or who would like to learn a little about baseball. As a boy who loves baseball this book wanted me to be just like him and practice until i could be the best i could. this book was amazing and would love to read all of the authors books. "
— Hunter, 2/5/2014" Decent story for reluctant boys. Not a good read-aloud, though. "
— Joe, 2/2/2014" This book has a very good reason for the saying of that family is the most important thing in life. Also,it explains the point clearly because when he is in the country like now in days any other immigrant doesn't have any papers and they are illegally in the country he has a reason to be scared. I am very against the thought of sending someone back to where they came from because all they came to do the country is make a difference in their life and make it better.basically the book was good enough to teach you something you should learn about life or other peoples lives. "
— Rafael, 2/1/2014" Good for boys, I guess. "
— Adela, 2/1/2014" I like this book. I'm reading it for my school's battle of the books Staff vs Students. It's for teens, but really cute story about survival and friendship! "
— Charlotte, 1/29/2014" Good for reluctant reader or baseball fan. "
— Rachel, 1/23/2014" Great teen book! "
— Michelle, 1/17/2014" one of my favorite books....best ive read by mike lupica. "
— Isabellek22, 1/16/2014" This book had a good thrill and adventure. There was supense through the whole story. And it ended in a great way. "
— Bradley, 1/7/2014" very good. And emotional "
— Aiden, 12/25/2013" Interesting plotline, but badly written. "
— Sasha, 11/18/2013" LOVED THIS BOOK GREAT BOOK "
— Craig, 7/20/2013" This book was pretty good. I could relate to it in a way because I also play baseball. On the other hand I haven't been benched for being to good, I have a father and a mother, and I'm not Cuban. I would recommend this book if you like sports. Overall, I... kinda liked this book. "
— Connor, 6/25/2013" Excellent audio version. Good for boys who love baseball. "
— Lu, 6/2/2013" i thought this was a OK book. l liked it because it had to do with baseball and i like baseball. "
— Brett, 1/13/2013" lemme tell you just one thing bout ths 'PA award' winning title...i mean like, i seriously coulda read [written] better. CEREALOUSLY "
— Karielle, 12/12/2012" I love this book! If your a fan of sports, you have to read this book! "
— Kate, 10/19/2012" It was a good book. I liked how it referred to actual places in New York "
— Braden, 9/4/2012" I read this book as a book group read. It was very good. I recommend it to people who really like baseball. "
— Alana, 8/8/2011" who does not like baseball??? <br/> good book <br/> "
— Cave, 5/20/2011" It was a good book. I liked how it referred to actual places in New York<br/> "
— Braden, 4/25/2011" I really liked this book which surprised me to no end since it had a lot to do with baseball. :O) I have nothing against baseball; I just have nothing for it either.... "
— Cynthia, 4/24/2011" The book was very good. I like the books that Mike Lupica. He is a good author, and writes the best story's. "
— Kevyn, 3/31/2011" It was really good, but I didn't understand who everybody was. "
— Jayden, 3/19/2011" This book tells the story of a Cuban boy who is an amazing pitcher. He is mature beyond his years, I could hardly tell I was reading about a 12 year old. Recommended for readers and and baseball fans of all ages. "
— Drew, 3/18/2011" i thought this was a really good book. i really liked this book. If you like baseball you should read this book "
— Riley, 3/18/2011" This a great read very easy read. A book you should read if you like baseball or follow baseball. Very inspiring book. One of my favorite books "
— Ryan, 3/14/2011" i wouldnt recommend this book to anybody, but if you like old fashioned things and baseball then try it. <br/> "
— Catalina, 3/13/2011" Erg. Sorry I just did not like this very much! It had a good main character, though. :) "
— Adrie, 3/9/2011Mike Lupica is a New York Times bestselling author and a veteran sports columnist who spent most of his career with the New York Daily News. For three decades, he was a panelist on ESPN’s The Sports Reporters. He is now a member of the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame.