Heat

By: Mike Lupica

Narrated by: Paolo Andino

Michael Arroyo has a pitching arm that throws serious heat. But his firepower is nothing compared to the heat Michael faces in his day-to-day life. Newly orphaned after his father led the family’s escape from Cuba, Michael’s only family is his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos. If Social Services hears of their situation, they will be separated in the foster-care system—or worse, sent back to Cuba. Together, the boys carry on alone, dodging bills and anyone who asks too many questions. But then someone wonders how a twelve-year-old boy could possibly throw with as much power as Michael Arroyo throws. With no way to prove his age, no birth certificate, and no parent to fight for his cause, Michael’s secret world is blown wide open, and he discovers that family can come from the most unexpected sources.

“The dialogue crackles, and the rich cast of supporting characters—especially Michael's battery mate, catcher and raconteur Manny—nearly steals the show. Top-notch entertainment in the Carl Hiaasen mold.”—Booklist, starred review

Heat

I loved this book, the most memorable moment was how Micheal fell in love with Ellie, and the narrator is really good. I actually paid attention to the book itself.

Recommend for your baseball-loving tween

My son and I enjoyed listening to this before bed. He says, “it’s interesting to imagine what it might be like to be a really good player.”

Great sports story

The book showed my 11yr old son the hardships of immigrating and it launched several conversations about why a family would flee Cuba. The characters were real and dynamic. The narrator did a great job with the pace, the voices, and the fluid blend of Spanish and English. We don't speak much Spanish, but we were never lost.

Good

Good good good good good good good good good good good happy grin grvh gffhi yydg good good good slow good good good good good good good good

I Can Only Wish

We did not have teachers to help our children learn from Audible books like this. I'm so proud my daughter went into teaching and useses your books to help her student learn . I just read this book and will keep donating to her class for your books.