Pink and Say

Pink and Say
Written and Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco
Published by: Philomel Books 1994 
Grades: 4-6
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: This book tells the story of how Pinkus saved and helped a wounded Union soldier of a different race, Sheldon, during the Civil War.  After being nursed back to health by Pinkus’ African American mother, the two boys became friends.  After a run in with the Confederates, Pinkus’ mother was killed and the two boys were sent to a Confederate concentration camp.  Sheldon survived, but nothing was heard from Pinkus. 

Theme/Skill: Civil War, Courage and Honor, Friendship

About the Author and Illustrator: Patricia Polacco 

Patricia was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944.  She lived on a farm with her mother and grandparents until she was five.  During this time, she spent the school year with her mom and summer with her dads since they were divorced.  She then moved to Coral Gables, Florida and then to Oakland, California where she lived 37 years of her life.  Patricia did not learn how to read until she was almost 14 years old.  At this age she also was diagnosed with dyslexia.  She did go onto college and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and a Ph.D. in Art History.  At first, she restored ancient pieces of art at museums and then spent most of her time as the mother of her two children.  It wasn’t until she was 41 that she started writing children’s books.  She has written books including, Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln, The Junk Yard Wonders, and For the Love of Autumn.  She currently lives in Union City, Michigan. 
Source used:  http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/bio/bio.html

Pre-Reading Activities:  Bring in the Union and the Confederate flag and have students look at them.  Brainstorm what these two flags represent and what event they are associated with.  Talk about the Civil War and make a chart comparing the two sides of the war, the Union side and the Confederate side. 

Union and Confederate Flag:  http://www.wtv-zone.com/civilwar/flags.html

Post-Reading Activities:  Have students write in their journal a letter pretending to be Pinkus or Sheldon.  In this letter they will describe how they would feel if they were either of the boys and relate it to the Civil War, by including what they learned about it after they express their thoughts.  This letter will have to include 3 facts and be at least two paragraphs long.  They must use letter format with a heading and a closing.

Lesson plans: t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/cbl/images/.../s%20-%20pink%20and%20say.docSimilar
Reflection: This book is very deep in the content and emotion that it is protraying based on the Civil War and the experiences these two boys have to go through. It is shown through the words and especially the pictures the significance of the Civil War and what happened during it. I think students will understand most of what she is trying to get across, while others may not understand some points she is trying to make. The pictures of the faces grab the emotion in it that I think will help students understand a little more. This book does a great job helping teachers explain what the Civil War was to young children so they can try to understand the history of their country.