Title: Heat
Author: Mike Lupica
Recommended for: Grades 5-8, especially those with interests in brother/sister, immigration, baseball, or relationship stories.
Today I finished reading the book Heat. I try to read a book without any preconceived attitudes or ideas about the book or author. However, even though I had never read a book by Lupica, I did know him from his appearances on The Sports Reporters on ESPN. Unfortunately, I don't always agree with his opinions, so I wasn't sure if I would warm up to his writings. Well, I did! Heat tells the story of Michael Arroyo, a 12 year old baseball pitcher whose life on the baseball field is nothing like his life at home. On the baseball field, Michael experiences almost perfection every time he steps foot on the mound. At home, things are pretty much the opposite: after immigrating to the U.S. from Cuba, his father passes away, leaving Michael and his 17 year old brother Carlos trying to live on their own without Official Persons finding out, because that would potentially break their family up.
I don't think you have to like baseball as I do in order to enjoy this book. Everyone will want to cheer for Michael, both at home and on the field.
Want to know more?
Here is a link to more reviews from Kidsread.com:
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0399243011.asp
Here is a link to information about the author from his publisher:
http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000009423,00.html
Author: Mike Lupica
Recommended for: Grades 5-8, especially those with interests in brother/sister, immigration, baseball, or relationship stories.
Today I finished reading the book Heat. I try to read a book without any preconceived attitudes or ideas about the book or author. However, even though I had never read a book by Lupica, I did know him from his appearances on The Sports Reporters on ESPN. Unfortunately, I don't always agree with his opinions, so I wasn't sure if I would warm up to his writings. Well, I did! Heat tells the story of Michael Arroyo, a 12 year old baseball pitcher whose life on the baseball field is nothing like his life at home. On the baseball field, Michael experiences almost perfection every time he steps foot on the mound. At home, things are pretty much the opposite: after immigrating to the U.S. from Cuba, his father passes away, leaving Michael and his 17 year old brother Carlos trying to live on their own without Official Persons finding out, because that would potentially break their family up.
I don't think you have to like baseball as I do in order to enjoy this book. Everyone will want to cheer for Michael, both at home and on the field.
Want to know more?
Here is a link to more reviews from Kidsread.com:
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0399243011.asp
Here is a link to information about the author from his publisher:
http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000009423,00.html
