Title: "Heat"

Author: Mike Lupica

Publisher: Philomel Books, a division of the Penguin Young Readers Group, 2006

Genre: Realistic Fiction-Sports

Awards:
Booklist Starred 2006
Notable Best Books (A.L.A.), 2007

Plot Summary:

It has been only a couple of years since Miguel (12) and his big brother Carlos (17) made the treacherous trip from Cuba with their father (Papi), Victor Arroyo. Miguel is known as Michael to everyone outside his family, especially now that he is in America. Despite being popular among his friends and the best player on his Bronx, New York Little League Team, Michael's new life in America is not without its trials and errors. Luckily, their landlord, Mrs. Cora, is always nearby to provide guidance and to help the two young boys hide their colossal secret, the one that if found out, could potentially separate the brothers and break up their family.

Michael is the star pitcher and one of the best offensive players on the South Bronx Clippers, which were named in honor of the New York Yankees top farm team the Columbus Clippers, from Ohio. Accompanying Michael on his team are a colorful cast of characters including his best friend Manny. His teammates, all talented ballplayers in their own right, make the Clippers the favored team to win the league championship, and the honor to play in Yankee Stadium, and possibly a trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania and the Little League World Series. Their success however attracts the attention of some envious opposing coaches who force Michael to produce proof of his age in the form of a birth certificate, which he did not have.

Still covering the secret of their father's untimely death months earlier, children's services officials are now questioning the whereabouts of the boys parents. Fearing a children's home where he would be separated from Carlos, the boys develop a plan to buy some time, until Carlos' 18th birthday. In the meantime Michael is banned from playing the game he lives for, and fears being split away from his big brother Carlos. Not all is lost however, Michael begins admiring a young girl who often watches his team practice in a nearby park. Little does he know that she is the daughter of the Yankees star pitcher, Michael's idol "El Grande".

Throughout the story, very realistic descriptions of the New York area, the Yankees team and ballpark, as well as historical facts made the fictional story seem very "real" as the genre dictates. After hearing of his troubles, "El Grande" also a Cuban, is able to pull some strings back in Havana to produce Michael's birth certificate, and restore his eligibility on his Little League team. In the end, the Clippers win the league championship and get to play in historic Yankee Stadium.

While not book awards, the following quotes, which are printed on the book jacket, are quite a tribute to it's quality.

"Mike Lupica has captured an accurate snapshot of a Little League summer. It's often said that Little League is where the dream begins for millions of kids who aspire to wear a big-league uniform. Heat vividly and warmly allows all of us who ever had that dream to live it one more time." -Steve Keener, President and CEO, Little League Baseball International

"Mike Lupica touches all the bases along with readers' hearts in this wonderful tale about a youth with big dreams of baseball, family, friendship and young love. This is a must-read for every kid with a live arm and indomitable spirit." -Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner

My Reaction:

I very much enjoyed this book. It is an inspiring story of a young boy who faced countless difficult situations handling each of them with class and maturity. Family hardships, poverty, and what seemed like insurmountable odds were not enough to keep Michael from his one true passion-baseball. Along the way he discovered that friends, family and doing the right thing go a long way towards helping one accomplish their dreams. This is a wonderful story and a great Young Adult title.

Reader Recomendation:

Considering our students read at varying levels. I recommend this book for upper elementary to high school readers. The plot is interesting and engaging. This will satisfy the advanced reader, yet is is easy to read and the story is also appropriate for the upper elementary student. While the book is most likely most appealing to boys, it is potentially inspiring to all readers. Lupica weaves romance, crime and drama into the storyline as well, which broadens the appeal to those who are not nesessarily sports enthusists.

Book Talk Hook:

Think of an activity that you like to do. Now think of yourself as the best at that activity or sport. How would you feel if you were told at that very moment, when you knew that you were at your absolute best, that you were not allowed to participate anymore. Find out Michael's secret and why he was no longer permitted to play the game he loved so much. READ: "Heat" by: Mike Lupica.