BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSTwelve-year-old Michael Arroyo has one of the most powerful pitching arms in his South Bronx Little League district, and his team, the South Bronx Clippers, is on track to reach the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But Michael is hiding a secret that could cost him everything: his father died of a heart attack three months ago, and Michael and his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos have been keeping that fact hidden so they won't be separated by social services. When rival coaches question Michael's age and demand a birth certificate he can't produce, his season suddenly hangs by a thread, just as an official from the city's Administration for Children's Services begins asking harder and harder questions about where their father really is.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Heat
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Heat. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a mystery girl ask, "Does that mean you're asking me to play"?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
Ellie says this when Michael shyly invites her to join their game of catch. It is the first time the mystery girl with the great arm joins them on the field, and she promptly strikes out Manny with three blazing pitches.
- First half
In what book does a second baseman barehand a slow roller and underhand it for the win?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
With Michael banned from playing, Maria Cuellar makes the play of her life against the Castle Hill Hilltoppers. With two out and the tying run on third, she charges, scoops the ball with her bare hand, and underhands it to first to hold on to first place.
- First half
In what book does a friend pitch the idea of hiring an actor uncle to play a missing dad?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
Manny insists that his Uncle Timo, who has scored small parts in off-Broadway shows and TV, can pose as Papi for one quick visit. Carlos finally gives in to the crazy idea, hoping it will buy them time to fix the birth certificate problem.
- Second half
In what book do a boy and an old woman play a game of imagining happy endings?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
Mrs. Cora helps Michael through hard moments by having him imagine pitching at the famous ballpark with his loved ones cheering in the front row. Even when his world is collapsing, she helps him feel safe.
- Second half
In what book does a boy spot his older brother being marched into a police prisoner van?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
Walking up to the Stadium after the Clippers' win, Michael sees Carlos and Ramon being escorted to a white NYPD van by two officers. He freezes in place, afraid his brother is being arrested.
- Near the end
In what book does a boy quote a Cuban children's song about a sleeping cat to catch a stranger?
✓ Answer
Heat by Mike Lupica
Desperate to make El Grande notice him in the crowd, Michael yells lines about Misifuz the cat, the lullaby Papi used to sing to him. The famous pitcher freezes, recognizing a song he sings to his own daughter.
