Module 10: Pink and Say

Book Summary: During the Civil War, an injured white soldier, Say, is rescued by a black union soldier, Pink. He takes Say home to his mother's house to recover from his wound. While they are there, they form a friendship. when the pair decides to return to their respective units, they are taken as prisoners of war and sent to Andersonville prison by confederate marauders.

APA Reference of Book:Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and Say. New York: Philomel Books.

Impressions: Although this is a picture book, the content is more advanced that the average picture book. The writing is very rich and gives a great sense of the dialect of the men. The book is soaked in history and gives a nice feel for the time period and the war without overloading the reader. The story is very touching and is made even more so when you learn that is is based of of the experience of Polacco's ancestor who fought in the war.
 
Professional Review: Gr 4 Up-This picture book set during the Civil War is a departure for Polacco in terms of content and audience. It is certainly the deepest and most serious book she has done. Sheldon Curtis, 15, a white boy, lies badly wounded in a field in Georgia when Pinkus Aylee, an African American Union soldier about Sheldon's age, finds him and carries him home to his mother, Moe Moe Bay. Sheldon, known as Say, is nursed back to health in her nurturing care. But then she is killed by marauders, and the boys return to their units. They are then are captured and taken to Andersonville, where Pink is hanged within hours of their capture. One of the most touching moments is when Pink reads aloud from the Bible to Moe Moe and Say. Say tells them that he can't read, but then he offers something he's very proud of: he once shook Abraham Lincoln's hand. This is a central image in the story, and is what ties the boys together for a final time, as Pink cries, "`Let me touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln, Say, just one last time.'" The picture of their clasped hands, with the hands of the soldiers wrenching them apart, is exceptionally moving. Polacco's artwork, in fact, has never been better. She uses dramatic perspectives, dynamic compositions, and faces full of emotion to carry her powerful tale. History comes to life in this remarkable book.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Persson, L. (1994, October). [Review of the book Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco]. School Library Journal via Titlewave. Retrieved by http://titlewave.com/search?SID=81c425509376dc539b5dcf4c454190aa

Library Uses: This would work well for older students as a part of a Civil War unit or program. The story mentions several pieces of history that could be explored further such as Andersonville and marauders. You could also tie it in with Black History Month and have the children learn more about black soldiers during the Civil War. For children who are old enough, it could be tied to the movies Andersonville or Glory.