Waiting for Pumpsie

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.

"A grand slam" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review


"The story's moments of triumph sound the loudest notes" — Publisher's Weekly


"This uplifting account of a family and the integration of Boston baseball will be inspiring to many youngsters." — School Library Journal


"This picture book contributes to children's understanding of America's past, while telling a good story"— Booklist

Barry Wittenstein has worked at CBS Records, CBS News, and was a web editor and writer for Major League Baseball. He is now an elementary-school substitute teacher and children's author. This is his first book for children. Barry lives in New York, New York.

London Ladd is the illustrator of Under the Freedom Tree by Susan VanHecke, Oprah: The Little Speaker by Carole Boston Weatherford (Two Lions), and March On!: The Tay My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris (Scholastic). London lives in Syracuse, New York.