Lupica, Mike. Heat.

LUPICA, Mike. Heat. Read by Paola Andino. 5 cds. 6.25 hrs. Listening Library. 2006. 0-307-28598-7. $50.00. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. J*

From the KLIATT review of the book, March 2006: "Sports journalist Lupica pitches another winner here. 12-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."

Reader Andino perfectly captures the voices and inflections of Lupica's young Bronx athletes. Both fictional and factual persons and events are included in the story, and anybody who follows sports will be fully aware of who the fictional characters really are. This will be a hit with young listeners, and even with the older ones. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.