Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

I think this book would be a good read-aloud to introduce racial inequality that continued to exist following the abolition of slavery. It is a strong representation of African American strength and heroism during the Civil War as well as the friendships that formed between whites and blacks. This wonderfully illustrated picture book can also show students that important themes and strong stories can be found outside of a novel genre.

Edited Summary Courtesy of http://www.epinions.com/review/Pink_and_Say_by_Patricia_Polacco/content_176087535236 

Paying tribute to an unheralded hero is what Patricia Polacco’s book Pink and Say is all about. It is a stark reminder that most heroes never make the limelight and their heroics may be seen by only one or two or none at all. Pink and Say is a heart-wrenching picture book that tells a difficult tale, a true story from the Civil War. It is a story that is part of Polacco’s family’s oral history. She is the great-great granddaughter of Sheldon Russell Curtis, known as Say in the book. The story opens with 15-year-old Say lying wounded on a Georgia battlefield. He is rescued by Pinkus Aylee, called Pink, who drags Say to Pink’s mother’s home where the two of them are able to recover from their wounds. Pink, also around 15 years old, fought with the Colored Division of the Union Army, fighting against what he called the “sickness” of slavery. In their respite from the war, Say is nurtured by the courage of Pink and the love of his mother, Moe Moe Bay. Say draws courage from Pink and Moe Moe—courage enough to admit that he had been deserting when he was shot—and agrees to return with Pink to his unit. Before they can get away, the story of friendship and hope turns violent and tragic.

Polacco, Patricia. (1994). Pink and Say. New York: Philomel Books. 48 pp. ISBN: 0-399-22671-7.