Pink and Say

Written by Patricia Polacco

Narrated by Melba Sibrel and Hal Hollings

A powerful and heartwarming look at a moment in American history--from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker.

This Kindness Edition features discussion questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through conversations about its story and message! Perfect for classrooms and more!

When Sheldon Russell Curtis told this story to his daughter, Rosa, she kept every word in her heart and was to retell it many times.
I will tell it in Sheldon's own words as nearly as I can.

He was wounded in a fierce battle and left for dead in a pasture somewhere in Georgia when Pinkus found him. Pinkus' skin was the color of polished mahogany, and he was flying Union colors like the wounded boy, and he picked him up out of the field and brought him to where the black soldier's mother, Moe Moe Bay, lived. She had soft, gentle hands and cared for him and her Pink.

But the two boys were putting her in danger, two Union soldiers in Confederate territory! They had to get back to their outfits. Scared and uncertain, the boys were faced with a hard decision, and then marauding Confederate troops rode in.

In this Civil War story passed from great-grandfather to grandmother, to son, and finally to the author-artist herself, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the shared humanity of the peoples of this world.

Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of Pink and Say brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco's work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9780525591146

Reviews for Pink and Say

[familiesunitedll · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Patricia Polacco- making me cry yet again.

A good introduction to a complex and terrible subject. I agree with Sara Masarik who said that picture books are a good way to begin a difficult topic.

Heartbreaking and beautiful- this civil war story will stay with you.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Definitely for children older than the usual picture-book audience. And, yes, it made me cry. Do obey Polacco's admonition at the end.

[erwinkennythomas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Civil War story of hope and a tragic end. This Black and White drama will certainly move its readers to tears. Still, Pink although good-natured was killed, but Say survived, to tell us about their amazing ordeal.

[ashewert · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pink and Say tells the story of two boys fighting in the American Civil War on two separate sides. It shows just how young they were to be fighting, but the dedication they had to their respective sides, even though they allow an unlikely friendship to form. Pink finds Say wounded after having been separated from his group. He takes Say back to his mothers home to heal and their friendship blossoms. Unfortunately it won't last as they are torn apart; one to survive the war and live a long life, and the other to not live much past their separation.

I was fascinated to learn that this story of historical fiction was heavily factual. I loved how the author included real photographs of her relatives and told the story as a way of remembrance for Pink since he did not have any other family to do so. The end was very powerful. This book would be a good representation for students to see the emotional toil that soldiers experienced during the Civil War. Sometimes reading these accounts through a picture book is much more powerful than from the school provided factual text book.

[katherine.boykins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

During the Civil War, Say, a soldier from Ohio, is injured. Pink, an African American soldier, finds him and brings him to his home where he nursed back to health by Pink's mother. The two form an unbreakable friendship. When Say is brought back to health, the two make plans to go back to the war. Pink's mother is not happy about this and Say is terrified. Say cannot say no because he owes Pink for saving him. On their way to rejoin Pink's company, they are discovered by Confederate Soldiers and are taken to a camp and the two are separated. This book would be great for older students when discussing the civil war. It shows bravery when faced with difficult tasks.

[penguinasana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully illustrated story that gave me chills. Highly recommend as a supplement to history lessons for school aged kids. It's one older kids and adults can both appreciate. It had me itching to go read more Civil War history.

[marmig2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Pink and Say” by Patricia Polacco was an excellent book. It is written in the memory of Pinkus Aylee, an African American soldier who fought alongside Sheldon Curtis in the Civil War. It is written from the perspective of Sheldon, which was really interesting because the entire book is written in his Southern dialect: “I wanted to go back to our farm in Ohio, and sometimes, when I’d fall into one of them strange sleeps, I’d be there with my Ma, tastin’ baking powder biscuits fresh out of her wood stove”. I liked the book because the overall message, and the way this message is portrayed, is very powerful. The main idea of “Pink and Say” is the idea that we must be selfless, and help those in need. Pinkus helped Sheldon when he was on the brink of death, and nursed him back to help when Pinkus himself was also badly wounded. Another reason I liked this book is because it pushes the reader to think about tough issues, the way in which Pinkus was treated is despicable. This book causes the reader to reflect upon the hardships that African American soldiers faced at this time. The last page of the book was very powerful, with the Polacco urging the reader to never forget about Pinkus: “When you read this, before you put this book down, say his name out loud and vow to remember him always”.

[krw15 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful story about a real life event that took place during the Civil War Ear. Polacco does a great job of keeping the interest of the reader. This is a book that can be read during a history lesson about the Civil War.

[zfrid-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book. Patricia Polacco is an amazing author and conveys the story in such a way that the reader feels part of the story. I really enjoyed how the story was more about friendship and bravery than it was about the civil war. In the book, Sheldon Russell Curtis (Say) was a Union soldier in the Civil War. He was only fifteen when he was injured in battle. He ran away from his unit and was shot while he was running. Pinkus Aylee, a colored Union soldier, found Say bleeding to death in a pasture. Pink takes Say home and introduces him to his mom, Moe Moe Bay. They stayed with Pink’s mom for a few weeks until they were well enough to return to the war. Right before Pink and Say leave, a group of bandits come and ransack the house looking for food. The bandits kill Moe Moe Bay, and Pink and Say bury the body under a tree. While walking back to the Union troops, Pink and Say are captured by Confederate soldiers and taken to Andersonville, one of the worst Confederate prison camps. Pink and Say are separated and never see each other again. Say gets released several months later and returned home to eventually marry Abagail Barnard and have seven children. However, Pink unfortunately never returned home. It is said that he was hanged within hours of arriving at Andersonville. This story was passed down from Sheldon Russell Curtis (Say) to his daughter Rosa, who then told the story to her daughter Estella, who then told her son William, who finally told his daughter Patricia, who decided to write this book to share the story with everyone. I think the main idea of this story is to show how different races can work together and become friends despite what is happening in the world.

[hollyegirard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Since the story is talking about the friendship of two different people, I would make this a writing activity that included interviewing someone different in the classroom and comparing our likes and differences together and then also down on paper separate.

[bmsherid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great picturebook to introduce to children and people of all ages. It follows the story of two Civil War soldiers. One is white and one is black. The black soldier, Pink, finds the white soldier, Say, injured on the ground. Pink takes Say back to his home to care for him. In turn Say teaches Pink to read. This shows that friendship can overlook skin color. During this time it was unheard of for such friendships to exist across skin color. This would be a great book to introduce the topic of the Civil Rights Movement and how the beginnings of it started during the Civil War era.

[amulve2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading the book “Pink and Say” by Patricia Polacco. One aspect I liked about this book was the writing. The writing throughout the book was very descriptive. It also flowed very well together from page to page. “I remember hard branches snappin’ back in my face and mouths full of dirt as we hit the ground to keep from being seen.” This sentence is descriptive and I can picture what it feels like to be this person. Another aspect I liked was the illustrations. The illustrations accurately showed how this solider and his family helped the solider of a different color, which was not common back then. The illustrations take up the full page and also accurately depict the characters facial expressions. The big idea of this story is to not give up hope. Even the person you think would be least likely to help you can come to your rescue.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

By far the most serious of Polacco's work, this focuses on the horror of the civil war. Two young men, one black, whose name is pink, and one white, whose name is say, are bound together when Say is wounded when attempting to flee his regiment and is wounded, is found and rescued by Pink.

Pink brings Say home to be cared for by is his beloved mother. Placing her in harm, they hide as the bullets fly and hit the mark of Pink's mother.

Captured, they both are taken to prison. Tragically, Pink is hung; Say is released after an extended period of time.

FIVE STARS

Highly recommended.

[slcooley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is a good example of a historical fiction picture book. It tells the story of two young soldiers who not only save each other from battle, but they also find a much-needed friend in each other. This story gives a personal view to the war stories that are otherwise very impersonal.

[cdelonis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A touching book about friendship.

[alexjtedesco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This could be a good book to read when discussing the Civil War with your class. The illustrations are very expressive. There is quite a bit of death in this book, be aware of that when determining age appropriateness.

[cansara-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a great story about true friendship. This historical fiction is about two young boys fighting in a war. And at the end of the book we find out that this story has been shared and past down over many generations.

[aelucas-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

READ ALOUD :)

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Picture Book

Summary/Review:
Pink and Say is about two boys who become friends by saving each others lives during the civil war. Pink and Say's friendship is definitely more like family. I love how selfless they are toward each other and how they are willing to risk their lives for each other. It allows for the story to build this bond between the two as you grow to like Pink. He took care of and served his friend even though he could have easily left the stranger behind.It makes the story all so real and really allows for the sadness in the troubles Pink and other soldiers faced at the time. The family like relationship between Pink and Say was amazing. It was true friendship.

This book could be read at any elementary level and is beautifully written with illustrations.

[mozella1970 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Morality, loyalty and true friendship in spite of prejudices. This book could be used as Social Studies/History curriculum regarding the Civil War. The characters Pink (black) and Say (white) ; compassionate, admirable the message speaks of friendship, war, the human spirit, prejudices (which still exists in the 21st century) could be taught to all ages. Touching, sad and moving ... you'll need some Kleenex.

[michaela.bushey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book by Patricia Polacco was a story passed down through her family from her great-great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War. Wounded and left in a field for dead, Sheldon was found and saved by another Union soldier named Pinkus who brought him to his mother's house to recover. However, they risk being caught by marauding Confederate soldiers and make plans to leave. Polacco's beautiful illustrations convey the hardships and sorrows of war in a sensitive way. A beautiful story of friendship, this text leaves readers to think long and hard about this time in our nation's history and the cruel injustices faced by many.

In a classroom, this text would fit in perfectly with a social studies unit on the civil war. The story powerfully conveys how love, friendship, and understanding can occur no matter the difference or obstacle. In addition, this book can lead to important class discussions about social justice, literacy, and democracy.

[catgoya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a story about a white boy (Say) who gets wounded and a young African-American boy (Pink) saves him. They end up having a powerful friendship which results in their capture and separation. It is incredibly touching and very powerful story.

This story takes place during the Civil War.

[errudd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

During the civil war Pink and Say become friends and lean on each other to survive.
WARNING- death, violence
Lower elementary
48 pages
THEMES- friendship, hardship, illness, civil war, overcoming hardships, survival, journey

[brittasorensen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set during the Civil War, this book tells the real story of the Union soldiers Pinkus and Sheldon. Pinkus saves Sheldon's life and brings him back to be cared for by his mother, but they are captured and taken away by Confederate soldiers, where Pinkus is killed.

This is another powerful story about the horrors of war and the realistic fears of the soldiers fighting. It also shows the power of friendship and the power of story. The illustrations portray the unfamiliar historic setting well and help build connections to the characters.

[matthewbloome · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't remember the first time I read this, but I had the chance to relive that first reading experience recently when I observed a class having it read aloud. What an experience! This book truly had a whole class in its grip from page one on. This was a heartbreaking story and I don't know that any student left the room unaffected, but I know I was moved. Great storytelling and an ending that made the story all the more powerful. It was like bitter medicine; hard to swallow on the way down, but leaving you much better for having done so afterward.

[nancysauve · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great story of a budding friendship no matter what the race. It also shows the devotion and great lengths the grandmother went to in order to protect both soldiers. She lost her life.

[aubreycs-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it represents a true and great friendship between two boys. Regardless of skin color the boys stuck together during the time of the Civil War and helped one another out in different ways. This was a beautiful Historical Fiction.

[carriemaloziec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

very moving and not for children under the third grade

[beckytillett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sad book about 2 boys during the civil war- one is white and one is black. The two boys become friends during a time when slavery is still abundant, and the heartwarming yet sad story gives readers a glimpse into what life was like during the civil war time. They take refuge in the home of one of the boys, but trouble follows them. In the end, we learn that one of the boys survived to pass the story down to his children and grandchildren, so that it would be remembered forever, and so that the life of the boy who died would not be forgotten in vain.

This book makes a good addition to a Civil War unit, but also can be used to discuss themes such as risks and consequences, friendship, and other concepts.

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Patricia Polacco has explored her own childhood experiences in picture-books like The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Thank You, Mr. Falker and Mrs. Mack; she has related the tale of her daughter's childhood friend, and her battle with cancer, in The Lemonade Club; and retold the story of her Aunt Monique's childhood days in Nazi-occupied France, in The Butterfly. Her mother's life, and Polacco's loving relationship with her, feature prominently in Betty Doll, while the Christmas experiences of a great uncle can be found in An Orange for Frankie. In short, Polacco is an author who regularly mines her own history, and that of her family, to create poignant stories, and picture-books that linger in the reader's mind.

Pink and Say is no exception, being a retelling of a family story passed down through multiple generations - the story of Polacco's great-great-grandfather, Sheldon Russell Curtis, who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, was gravely injured, and left for dead in a muddy, blood-soaked field, and was then saved by Pinkus Aylee, former slave and fellow Union (child) soldier. Pinkus (Pink) and Sheldon (Say) became good friends, while on the run from marauders, and hiding out with Pink's mother, Moe Moe Bay, but war has few happy endings, and when they sought to return to their units, they found themselves captured, taken to the notorious Andersonville prison-camp, and separated forever...

A sobering and realistic look at a terrible time in our nation's past - Say is fifteen years old, and a deserter; Pink is determined to return to the fighting, but is instead executed, after being captured - Pink and Say is also a moving tribute to a friendship that took root in unpropitious soil, that flourished across racial and geographic lines, and that - despite being all too brief, in life - endured in the memory of one family. Polacco's family. This oral tradition has finally been recorded, in this moving picture-book, and we are all the richer for it. Highly recommended to anyone looking for titles that will give children the "feeling" of those times.

[glenajo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of two Union soldiers who find each other, injured, on a battlefield in Georgia. Say is white and Pink is black. Pink carries Say to the home of Pink’s mother to recover from his injuries. Pink and his mother’s selfless gifts shine throughout the story. Pink’s mother dies at the hands of marauders, then, when Pink and say are captured, Pink is hanged. This is not a picture book for early childhood.

This story gives early elementary students a close view of the war, inequality, and life during the late 1800s. It opens the door to discussions of racial inequality, but also reasons why Say never learned to read. It is heart rending and beautifully told through the voice of a descendant of Say. Everything Polacco writes is excellent, and this is an outstanding example of her gift. Though this is a second hand story, it is one handed down through Polocco's family, making it an excellent example of literary/narrative non-fiction.