Pink and Say

Pink and Say tells the story of two teenage Union soldiers who meet during the American Civil War. When white soldier Sheldon "Say" Curtis is wounded in battle, African American soldier Pinkus "Pink" Aylee finds him and brings him to safety. Pink takes Say to recover at his mother Moe Moe Bay's home - the abandoned plantation where Pink and his family were once enslaved. The two soldiers form a connection as Say regains his strength, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the war. This Civil War narrative, based on a true story from the author's own family history, explores friendship across racial boundaries and the complex realities of the American Civil War. Through the experiences of two young soldiers, the story presents themes of courage, human connection, and the fight for freedom.

Readers describe Pink and Say as an emotional true story that brings the Civil War to life for children. Many teachers use it in their classrooms to teach about slavery, friendship, and sacrifice. Readers appreciated: - The detailed illustrations that capture characters' expressions - How it handles difficult topics in an age-appropriate way - The personal connection (story passed down through Polacco's family) - That it prompts meaningful discussions with children Common criticisms: - Too intense/violent for younger children - Some found the ending traumatic - A few readers questioned if all details were historically accurate Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (4,600+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (640+ ratings) One teacher noted: "My students were completely silent during the reading. They understood the gravity of the story." Another reviewer stated: "This book broke my heart but opened important conversations with my kids about prejudice and racism."

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✦ This story is based on true events from the Civil War experience of author Patricia Polacco's own great-great-grandfather, Sheldon Curtis ("Say"). ✦ The book's climactic scene, where Pink is captured and executed at Andersonville Prison, reflects the real fate of thousands of African American soldiers during the Civil War who were often killed rather than taken as prisoners of war. ✦ A touching tradition has emerged where readers often touch the palm in the book's final illustrated handshake between Pink and Say, continuing a generational connection that began with Say touching the hand that touched Abraham Lincoln. ✦ The author incorporated actual historical details about the 48th Colored Infantry Regiment, one of nearly 170 African American regiments that served in the Union Army during the Civil War. ✦ Patricia Polacco didn't begin her career as a children's book author and illustrator until she was 41 years old, after overcoming dyslexia that went undiagnosed throughout her childhood.