Plink and Say (10/26)

Title: Pink and Say
Author: Patricia Polaccco
Type: Picture Book
Ages: Upper Elementary +
Rating: 4

Summary: Two fifteen year old boys, one African American and one White, become best friends when Pink saves Say’s life while fighting they are both fighting in the Civil War. When they become prisoners of a Confederate Camp they learn the harsh reality of racism.




In this picture book an unlikely friendship emerges from between Pink and Say. Pink is a fifteen year old African American soldier while Say is a fifteen year old White-American soldier. Pink is very brave for his age and is determined to fight for his people. Say on the other hand is very apprehensive and scared and misses his home and childhood. We see a big changed in Pink through out the course of the book. As soon as Say witnesses Pink's mothers get murdered, we see him start believing in himself and the Union. He changes for the better as a result of her death. 


Another part I really liked was when Pink and Say were held captive in the Confederate prison. They are taking Pink away, as the reader can assume because he is black and not white. Pink reaches out for Say's hand and says, "Let me touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln, Say, just one last time." The story of when Say touched Lincoln's hand was important to their friendship. The fact that these were the last words Pink said to Say show his love and devotion for his best friend. The picture that captures this moment is absolutely phenomenal too. 


I think this picture book is extremely good but it touches on a lot of sensitive topics so I think if anyone is going to use it in a classroom they need to have a well planned out lesson. It can be used to teach children about racism and the Civil War. When searching through things I came across a website that gives suggestions on how to teach some books. 


This link is a suggestion of a lesson plan after reading Pink and Say. It suggests you have the students write a letter to  a Confederate Soldier, Union Soldier,  a slave, etc. I really like this idea because it's asking the child to put their feelings about this book into a letter to send to someone who may have gone through this experience. 
http://www.ltl.appstate.edu/litcircleunits/litcirunits_Fall00/slavery_civwar/launchactivity.html