 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Heat
- By Mike Lupica
- Genre: Sports
Common Sense Media says
Engaging story about a pitching prodigy.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's not much to be concerned about here: some lying, though for good reasons; some dishonest actions, with lessons learned; and some products (including food brands) mentioned approvingly.
What's the story?
Michael, an unusually talented 12-year-old pitcher on his Little League team, has a lot going on at home that only his best friend Manny and the kindly lady upstairs in his apartment building, Mrs. C., know about. Born in Cuba, Michael lost his mother to cancer when he was very young. His father brought Michael and his brother Carlos to America with the hope of seeing Michael pitch in the Little League World Series. Now his father is dead too, and and he and Carlos are trying to keep it a secret until Carlos, just months shy of his 18th birthday, can legally assume custody of Michael. But Children's Services are getting suspicious, and a rival coach and player have accused Michael of being older than he claims, causing him to be suspended until he can find proof. Something needs to go right -- and soon.
Is it any good?
It sounds like a classic setup: poor, orphaned, but surprisingly cheerful and well-adjusted boy triumphs -- with the help of family love and good friends -- over insurmountable odds, including the devious, mean rich coach of the rival team and his spoiled son. It's a cliché from start to finish, right? So why doesn't it feel that way?
Partly, it's because sportswriter Mike Lupica's muscular prose shines on the ballfield. Partly, it's because the author knows that a truly satisfying ending has nothing to do with winning a ballgame. And, partly, it's because clichés get used a lot because they work. It's precisely the familiarity, the predictability, and the lack of realism that make this so affecting. Even with all life's hardships and heartbreak, this book reaffirms that it's still a beautiful world.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Michael's situation. What would you do in his place? Why did he treat Ellie the way he did? Why does his pitching talent cause others to do so much for him?
Also, were Justin's and his father's actions in any way justified?
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AGE
This is a must read book for anyone who loves intresting books!
This book is a great book about a kid named Michael Arroyo. He came on a boat with his father from Cuba. He loves the sport Baseball and it loves him. His father has died in May and now it's up to him and his brother to try to keep his secret. But in the middle of the book he has to get his birth certificate or else he can't play Baseball. I'm telling you read this book!
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AGE
The Heat is a great Lesson Too!
My son read this book for his a/r goal at school. He had a couple of issues himself at school about being nervous before a performance and made up a little white lie and got caught. This was a great book to show how little white lies can grow and hurt peoples feelings even if you don't intend that to be the end result.
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AGE
good book +9
it is way good i read it when i was 10 and i loved it! very good mesage confusing in some parts tho
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AGE
the best book ever!!!!
This book is about michael arroyo who is forced to to stop playing by coaches who think hes to good to be 12. MUST READ BOOK TO ANTONE WHO LIKES BASEBALL!!!!
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AGE
I love this book.
I love this book so much. It relates to my life alot! I am very surprised that he would lie like that but it is for a good reason.
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AGE
boring book for anybody!!!!
this book is really boring in the begining especially.at the end it starts getting details but its a very boring, nd dull bk!!!i dnt recomend it!!!!!
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AGE
Want more than Matt Christopher?
Great book for kids ready for something a little more challenging than Matt Christopher's sports books. A great read, no questionable themes or language.
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AGE
Good book keep you wantig more!
I think the book heat is just for kids that know how to read big words. And know how to say the words.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Author: | Mike Lupica |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | April 16, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 220 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Paperback price: | $6.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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