Pink and Say

Bibliographic Information: Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and Say. New York, New York: Philomel Books.

Brief Annotation: Sheldon Curtis (Say) is a solider for the Union during the United States Civil War. He runs away from his troops because he hates the war so much. He gets injured and Pinkus (Pink), who is a lost Union soldier, comes along and brings him home to his house where he and his grandmother, Moe Moe Bay live and take care of Say. The two bond very well and form a strong friendship even though Pink is black and say is white. A series of tragedies happen and Pink and Say get separated at a Confederate camp, where only Say made it out alive. The author's great-great grandfather was Sheldon Curtis.

Genre: Culturally Diverse

Grade Level: 2-5

Readers who will like this: Readers who like stories about strong friendship, war, or bravery.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4. This was the saddest picture book I've ever read. It was brilliantly written, but terribly sad and moving. The story of friends being growing so close only to be forcefully torn apart is awful, but the book was so great. Some pictures are a little graphic, but the message in this book is strong and powerful.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever lost a friend? Have you ever been not allowed to be friends with someone because they or you are "different?" What was the Civil War?