Lupica, Mike. Heat.

LUPICA, Mike. Heat. Penguin, Philomel. 224p. c2006. 0-399-24301-1. $16.99. J *

Sports journalist Lupica (author of Travel Team) pitches another winner here. Twelve-year-old Miguel Arroyo, born in Havana, came to the South Bronx illegally two years ago with his father and older brother, Carlos. Now called Michael, he's an amazing pitcher and dreams of making it to the Little League World Series in Yankee Stadium, but obstacles keep rearing up in his path. His father died just six weeks ago, and 17-year-old Carlos is trying to make enough money to support the two of them without coming to the attention of the authorities. However, Michael has foiled a purse snatching with a well-aimed baseball, and the authorities are now seeking him out to celebrate his achievement. Even worse, coaches from opposing teams are questioning whether Michael is really 12, but his birth certificate is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Michael meets a girl who throws like a boy, and she turns out to be the daughter of a big-time Yankee pitcher.

This satisfying old-fashioned tale has a happy ending, of course, but baseball fans will enjoy the action and Michael's passion for the game and won't mind that the outcome is predictable. An engaging story. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT