Heat

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 familys escape from Cuba, Michaels only family is his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos. If Social Services hears of their situation, they will be separated in the foster-care systemor 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, Michaels 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 charactersespecially Michael's battery mate, catcher and raconteur Mannynearly steals the show. Top-notch entertainment in the Carl Hiaasen mold.Booklist, starred review