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From the acclaimed author of Sincerely Sicily, Tamika Burgess, comes a timely coming-of-age story about a young boy’s fight to save his family and his dreams in the aftermath of the US military invasion of Panamá. Perfect for fans of Janae Marks, Adrianna Cuevas, and Chrystal D. Giles!

Danilo Osorio Jr.’s baseball skills were once the pride of his father and entire hometown of El Chorrillo, Panamá. But that was then, and this is now…

Following 1989's Operation Just Cause, a US military invasion that left his neighborhood decimated, Danilo couldn’t care less about baseball or the father who abandoned him for opportunities in the States. Now Danilo’s focus is taking care of his mamá and sister and trying to save them all from needing to relocate to a refugee camp.

When Danilo unintentionally catches the eye of a baseball recruiter and is offered the opportunity to visit and train in California—the same place as his father’s last known address—he is tasked with deciding to go or stay. But if playing baseball could help him find his father and secure the extra funds his family needs, Danilo is willing to travel anywhere, even to the very country responsible for destroying his home.

Between his tough-as-nails baseball coach, ultracompetitive teammates, and overly enthusiastic host family, Danilo’s plans encounter some curveballs. And when his turn to bat finally comes, he’ll have to decide what and who he’s actually fighting for.

Based on Real Historical Events: Set during the aftermath of the 1989 US invasion of Panamá, this novel explores a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of a young boy fighting for his family in the ruins of his El Chorrillo neighborhood.
More Than Just a Baseball Book: Danilo was once a baseball prodigy, but with his father gone and his home destroyed, the game has lost its meaning. Can a chance to train in America reignite his passion, or is it just a means to an end?
A Story of Healing and Hope: Confronting the trauma of the invasion and the pain of abandonment, Danilo’s journey is a heartfelt exploration of finding your way back to yourself and discovering what’s truly worth fighting for.
Finding Your Own Dream: Pressured to follow his father’s baseball dreams, Danilo must navigate a new country and new challenges to decide if he’s playing for his father’s approval, his family’s survival, or a future he can truly call his own.

Danilo Was Here

Danilo Was Here