INSIDE THE PARK

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.