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Heat

(2006, Fiction - Sports, Written by Mike Lupica)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Engaging story about a pitching prodigy.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships, loss
updated 09.25.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Positive themes of loving family and friends and overcoming odds. Some lying and dishonest actions, but for good reason.
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    The boys, and their adult friends, lie to the authorities. Carlos scalps tickets. A rival player makes racist remarks.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Fast food (McDonalds), candy, cookie, clothing, and drink brands mentioned approvingly.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Heat

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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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Our Members Say

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See all 29 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    jack12345
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    scooter360
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Amazing book....enough said

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    akap
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    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!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Parent Reviewer
    joanne2and2
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    aheath6
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    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.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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