In 1959 the Boston Red Sox was the last team in the Major Leagues to integrate. But when they call Elijah "Pumpsie" Green up from the minors, Bernard is overjoyed to see a black player on his beloved home team. And, when Pumpsie's first home game is scheduled, Bernard and his family head to Fenway Park. Bernard is proud of Pumpsie and hopeful that this historic event is the start of great change in America. This fictionalized account captures the true story of baseball player Pumpsie Green's rise to the major leagues. The story is a snapshot of the Civil Rights Movement and a great discussion starter about the state of race relations in the United States today.

Reviews:

Ladd's wonderfully detailed acrylic-and-colored pencil illustrations powerfully and beautifully complement and enhance the events. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ladd’s expressive, dramatically framed acrylics; at Fenway, Bernard and his family are told to “Sit down and shut up” by a white fan and then scolded by a policeman. Bernard’s conversational narration creates a warm bond with readers from the get-go, and although Wittenstein and Ladd never sugarcoat instances of racial prejudice, the story’s moments of triumph sound the loudest notes. ~ Publishers Weekly