Module 6: Pink and Say

Summary: Based on a true story, this picture book tells the historic story of two Union soldiers during the U.S. Civil War. White solider Sheldon "Say" Curtis is wounded in battle and left for dead in Georgia. When black soldier  Pinkus “Pink” Aylee finds him, he nurses him back to health. Pink is then shocked to learn that Say wants to return to battle. The two men come to terms with Say’s decision, as getting Pink’s freedom is the reason both men are fighting in the first place.

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

Impressions: Told in flashbacks, from Say’s point of view, Pink and Say is a children's book that speaks of hard decisions and strong friendships. Polacco’s illustrations are haunting, evocative, and show colorful emotion, determination, and fluidity, much like the main characters. The writing honors the bond that soldiers, even strangers, shared during the War’s destruction. It offers a glimpse into the reality of damaged lives and the hurt and pain seen during battles, recovery, and aftermath. When Pink carries Say back to the family home where Pink was once a slave, he turns Say's care over to his mother, Moe Moe Bay. The bond between the three deepens, and the men begin to feel as if they are brothers, and not just in arms. The whole story is deep and powerful, but lightened around the edges through Polacco’s soft tones and warmth towards the two men, and all they are fighting for. The greatest message is Polacco's emphasis that the sickness they are all fighting is slavery. The book is definitely poignant, a tribute to heroic people, and still telling and relevant to a modern reader. Maybe a time will come when the book’s meaning will be less impactful, but for now, the story’s message still resonates.

Review: "The stunning illustrations--reminiscent of the German expressionist Egon Shiele in their use of color and form--are completely heartbreaking. A spectacular achievement." - Kirkus Reviews

(1994, September 15).[Review of the book Pink and Say, by P. Polacco]. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/patricia-polacco/pink-and-say/

Library Use: This is a difficult book to read aloud to a group, which makes it challenging to incorporate into a group library program. It is at once poignant, educational, and heartbreaking. I would opt to put it on display for Black History Month, or suggest it to local public school teachers for a lesson on the Civil War, racism, or general United States History.