Danilo Was Here

About this book

2026-2027 Texas Bluebonnet Award List 2026 Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Award Longlist Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2025 A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionFrom 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. Middle Grade Historical Fiction: Set in the aftermath of the 1989 US invasion of Panamá, this powerful novel explores the impact of a forgotten history on one family's fight to survive. A Powerful Baseball Story: For Danilo, baseball was once a connection to his dad. Now, it's a complicated choice that could lead him to the father who left--or tear his remaining family apart. Rich Panamanian Culture: From the vibrant streets of El Chorrillo to the challenges of a refugee camp, experience an authentic story steeped in the food, music, and heart of Panamá. A Story of Resilience: Faced with losing his home and his hope, Danilo must discover what he's truly fighting for and find the strength to carve out his own dream.