Inside the park

Gr 4--6--Imagine the 1990 film Home Alone set in a major league baseball stadium and you'll have the gist of Williams's engaging novel. Twelve-year-old catcher Timothy, who is Black, has been benched due to a batting slump. He's troubled at home, too, feeling overlooked by his parents and lost among his four siblings who enjoy teasing their sensitive brother. Timothy's dream? Playing in the majors for his beloved Nashville Wildcats. An unlikely series of events after a game lands Timothy locked inside their stadium overnight. After his initial shock, Timothy embraces the adventure and takes ownership of both the stadium and his future. He faces off with two bumbling thugs who have broken into the arena, intent on sabotaging the team's playoff hopes. Using stadium equipment to thwart the bad guys helps Timothy reclaim his batting mojo and his destiny to play in the majors. Through keenly observed characters and sharp dialogue, the book will resonate with readers, who will recognize their own sibling relationships and the enduring importance of family. Adding interest and depth are references to the Negro baseball league and its players: Timothy's family nickname is "Pumpsie," after Elijah "Pumpsie" Green, the first Black player on the Boston Red Sox, which was the last of the major league teams to integrate. Timothy's unseen grandfather, a history professor and author, lectures on the Negro leagues. His wise advice, "the last shall be first," leaves Timothy--and young readers--inspired. VERDICT With broad appeal beyond baseball, this is a delightful coming-of-age story with humor, honesty, and heart.--Marybeth Kozikowski

A baseball-obsessed tween has an unexpected adventure in his home team's stadium. As much as Timothy "Pumpsie" Strickland loves baseball, his batting difficulties will probably cost him the role of starting pitcher for the big upcoming game. But he tries to put his worries aside and focus on his home team, the Nashville Wildcats, who are setting out to win a playoff spot. With a grandfather who's a historian of the Negro Leagues, his love of the sport and his nickname (in honor of Pumpsie Green, the last Black player to integrate a Major League Baseball team) come naturally. Unfortunately, Pumpsie feels overshadowed by his siblings--"superstar" athlete Isaac, "family genius" Miles, natural performer Tiana (his twin), and irresistibly adorable toddler Jasmine. When Tiana lands a part in a commercial that's filming at the ballpark, the entire family goes along. A thunderstorm sets off a series of events that ends with Pumpsie trapped in the stadium with Campy, Tiana's canine co-star. At first, it seems like a lark, but soon, the reality of his situation sinks in. His cell phone is dead, so he can't call for help, and he falls asleep, only to awaken and discover that he and Campy aren't alone--and things actually could get worse. This warm, lively story has an irresistible protagonist and skillfully blends sports and family life. Williams' depiction of a close-knit African American family is marked by humor and rich cultural details. A delightful, action-packed, and satisfying read.(Fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.