Pink and Say

By: Patricia Polacco

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range: 5th-8th. Even though this is a picture book, the vivid illustrations and dealings with death and costs of war make for a book fit for older children.

Plot: This is the story of Sheldon Russell Curtis. When he left for the war at the young age of 15, he was wounded for two days in Georgia with a gun shot just above his knee. Pinkus Aylee found him and while avoiding marauders, attempted to reunite with his company but ended up back home where his mother, Moe Moe Bay, was staying. She fed and cared for them until they told her they need to leave. She didn't like it but understood. The day they were to leave marauders came and shot Moe Moe Bay while the boys were hiding in the cellar. They buried her and set out for the Union camp. They were captured by marauders on their way and taken to Andersonville, one of the worst confederate camps. Sheldon Russell Curtis was rescued months later and lived a full happy life. Pinkus Aylee is believed to have been hanged some hours after arriving.

Characters: Sheldon, Pinkus, Moe Moe Bay, marauders

Setting: Georgia during the Civil War

Theme: It isn't the color of your skin that matters but how you choose to carry yourself.

Equity: Language, issues, and controversies of that time period are depicted with accuracy and without bias.

Illustrations: Illustrations by Patricia Polacco. Watercolor. Excellent in telling the story. Neutral colors