Lupica, Mike.
HEAT
New York : Puffin Books, 2007
IL 5-8, RL 5.6
ISBN 0142407577

(3 booktalks)

Michael Arroyo’s father brings him to the US so that he will be able to pitch in the Little League World Series and make a name for himself.  But before Michael can get there, his father dies, leaving him and his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos fearful of being discovered by the authorities.  When Michael’s incredible pitching ability causes a competitor to challenge his age, he must produce a birth certificate that is lost somewhere in Cuba.  Now Michael and Carlos must hide from a well-meaning admirer who happens to work for social services while they try to make ends meet and keep their Papi’s dream alive. This fast-paced sports story is upbeat and fun to read, even for someone like me who avoids a sports story at all costs.   (New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Read Award committee)

Booktalk #2

Twelve years old, 6 feet tall and an ace player, Michael Arroyo still wants to play Little League . Sidelined because rival coaches suspect he’s lying, he has no way to prove his age. His father has disappeared and his birth certificate is in Cuba. Social services is after him, too. What can he do?  (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards nominee, 2008-2009)

Bootalk #3

"Strike three, you're OUT!"  Twelve year old Michael Arroyo has one of the fastest pitches in his little league. His team is so good they have a chance to go to the Little League World Series. This is a huge honor and Michael has earned it. But when other coaches start to think he's too old for his league, he must prove that he is twelve. But there are a few problems: he's from Cuba and left his birth certificate there when he came to America,  his dad and mom are dead,  and Carlos, his seventeen year old brother,  doesn't know how to find a birth certificate . That's not all, no one can find out his parents are dead or he will be separated from his brother forever. So, how will Michael get his hands on his birth certificate and back on the mound? And what does a mysterious girl who watches him play have to do with anything? To find out these questions, and more, read, "Heat", by Mike Lupica. (Mark D., student)