Age rating and parents' guide:Heat
by Mike Lupica
Ages 9–14
Heat by Mike Lupica is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Orphan hardship.
Twelve-year-old Michael Arroyo is an incredible Little League pitcher with a fastball that seems impossible for his age. Living in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, Michael and his older brother are secretly surviving on their own after the sudden death of their father, terrified of being separated by social services. When rival coaches demand proof of his age, Michael faces losing the sport he loves. It is an engaging, fast-paced sports drama filled with tense baseball action, loyalty, and heart that resonates strongly with young sports enthusiasts.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Orphan hardship
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Sports
Reading mood
- Playful
Good to talk about
- Sports
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