Excellent historical fiction about a young boy who happens to be a talented baseball player, living in Panama during the aftermath of the US invasion in 1989, who is given an opportunity to train and live in the US.

This book hooked me from the page 1. I was instantly drawn into Danilo's story - mainly that he had quit baseball at the beginning of the book, despite others in his life still wanting him to play. Danilo had so many other things to worry about, such as where his father was, and where his family would live since their building was damaged by the US invasion of Panama. And who could blame him? Baseball indeed did not seem so important compared to the rest of what was happening in his life.

However, and this is a big however, baseball did offer Danilo an opportunity. One that he was planning on turning down, until he realized that it might lead him to his father who had abandoned their family.

I loved seeing Danilo grow and face new challenges throughout this book. His tough as nails coach in the US, his kind but racist host mother in the US, and his careless and neglectful father all played a role in Danilo's time in the US.

Of course, being middle grade, there were valuable lessons about family and home and following your own dreams. 

Incredible book, recommended for ages 9+.