Intermediate Novel Analysis: Pink and Say

Pink and Say

Grades 2-5 Book Review

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is a powerful children’s book that explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the devastating effects of the Civil War. It tells the story of two young Union soldiers, Pinkus “Pink” Aylee, an African American boy, and Sheldon “Say” Curtis, a white boy, who meet after Say is injured in battle. Pink helps Say recover, and they develop a deep friendship while hiding out at Pink’s mother’s home.

Key Themes

Friendship and Brotherhood Across Racial Lines
The friendship between Pink and Say transcends racial and social barriers in a time when society was deeply divided. Pink risks his own safety to help Say, showing a profound level of compassion and bravery. Through their relationship, Polacco emphasizes the potential for unity and understanding in spite of racial and cultural differences.

The Realities of War
Polacco does not shy away from the brutal realities of the Civil War, even in a children’s book. The story acknowledges the fear, injury, and loss experienced by young soldiers, presenting a more mature perspective on war and its toll on individuals and families. Say’s injury, the danger they face, and the ultimate fate of Pink remind readers of the harsh consequences of conflict.

Courage and Sacrifice
Both Pink and his mother, Moe Moe Bay, display acts of immense bravery. Moe Moe Bay provides shelter and care for the boys, fully aware of the risk involved in harboring Union soldiers. Pink also demonstrates courage, not only on the battlefield but in his dedication to helping Say. Their courage highlights the moral strength and sacrifices made by those on the home front.

Historical Context and Realism
The book is based on Polacco’s family history, adding authenticity to the narrative. The historical details, like the experiences of Black soldiers in the Union Army, enrich the story and serve as an introduction to the Civil War’s complexities for young readers. The author brings in details that reveal the social structure and racial dynamics of the time, giving readers a more nuanced understanding.

Impact of Racism and Injustice
Racism is an underlying theme, as Pink, despite his bravery and service, is treated as less than human in some contexts. His death at the hands of Confederate forces highlights the persistent racial violence of the era, serving as a sobering reminder of the harsh injustices African Americans faced—even those who fought for their country.

Literary Devices

  • Illustrations: Polacco’s illustrations complement the story, depicting the characters’ emotions and the somber tone of the period. They help convey the weight of the historical setting and the emotional depth of Pink and Say’s bond.
  • Language and Dialogue: Polacco uses a simple yet impactful language style that is accessible to children but does not dilute the seriousness of the themes. She captures the dialect of the characters, which gives authenticity to their voices.
  • Symbolism: Pink’s and Say’s hands clasping represents unity, trust, and the shared humanity between them, an image that carries through even to the end of the story when Say recalls Pink with deep respect and reverence.

Pink and Say is a moving and educational work, using storytelling to help young readers understand difficult historical themes, the impact of war, and the importance of friendship and sacrifice.

Text Complexity Map

Title: Pink and Say      Author and Illustrator: Patricia Palacco 
Publisher: Philomel Books     Publication Date: 1994                Pages: 48
Genre: Children’s Literature, Historical Fiction

Text DescriptionRecommended Grade Levels
“Pink and Say” is a children’s book by Patricia Polacco that tells the true story of two young soldiers, Sheldon Russell Curtis (“Say”), a white Union soldier, and Pinkus Aylee (“Pink”), a formerly enslaved Black Union soldier, who form a deep friendship during the American Civil War, with Pink rescuing Say from the battlefield and caring for him at his mother’s home, allowing Say to gain a deeper understanding of the fight against slavery; the story highlights themes of friendship, compassion, and the realities of war during that time period.The text is associated with the higher end of the 2-3 band; however, the qualitative measures and reader considerations align with upper elementary grades 4-6.
Quantitative Measures of the Text:
Range: 660LAssociated Band Level: Associated Band Level: Text is associated with the higher end of the 2-3 band.

2-3 Band – 420L-820L
Qualitative Measures of the Text
Levels of Meaning/Purpose: 
Meaning and Theme: The book addresses complex themes such as racism, war, sacrifice, and friendship, which may be challenging for younger readers. These themes require a level of maturity to understand the emotional depth and historical context.
Structure: The structure is linear and chronological, with a clear sequence of events from Say’s injury to his encounter with Pink, their time with Pink’s mother, and the eventual capture. The structure aids comprehension, though some shifts in pacing reflect the changing emotional intensity.

Illustrations: The illustrations in Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco play a significant role in conveying the story’s emotional depth and historical setting. They complement the narrative by adding visual layers to the themes of friendship, courage, and the hardships of the Civil War. 
Language Clarity and Conventionality: 
Language and Literary Devices: Polacco uses accessible language for children, though the Southern dialect and idiomatic expressions might require some explanation. Symbolism is subtle, such as the hands-clasping motif, and is generally within reach of middle elementary readers with guidance.

Vocabulary: Polacco uses straightforward language, but some historical terms (e.g., “Confederate,” “Union,” “skirmish”) may need contextual support.

Sentence Structure: The sentences are generally short to medium in length, making the story accessible to middle elementary readers.
Knowledge Demands: Background knowledge of the Civil War, racial issues, and concepts of loyalty and friendship in difficult circumstances would deepen understanding but is not strictly necessary, as Polacco provides context clues throughout the narrative.

Background Knowledge:  Knowledge of the Civil War and the historical realities of race relations may be new for younger readers. Additional background information and discussions on empathy, bravery, and history would support comprehension.
Reader and Task Considerations: High Complexity
Emotional Content: The tragic aspects, including Moe Moe Bay’s death and Pink’s capture, are emotionally charged, which could be sensitive for some young readers. Discussing these moments in a classroom or with a trusted adult may help them process these elements

Reader Maturity and Empathy: While appropriate for ages 8–12, the story may resonate differently depending on the reader’s emotional maturity. Young readers who can empathize with historical injustices and understand the concept of sacrifice will engage more deeply with the themes.

Contextual Research: Assign simple research activities on the Civil War or the role of African Americans in the Union Army to provide context.

Creative Expression: Have students draw scenes or write journal entries from Pink’s or Say’s perspective, focusing on their feelings during critical moments in the story.
Overall Complexity
Pink and Say offers an accessible story with deep themes that become fully meaningful with context and discussion. For educational use, providing historical context, allowing for emotional reflection, and discussing the themes of courage and friendship will enhance students’ comprehension and appreciation of the story.

Mentor Text Teaching Points

Reading Skills:

  • Meaning in Illustrations
  • Southern dialect 
    • Moe Moe Bay
    • “I kin make it”
    • “Them’s the ones what done it”
  • Idiomatic expressions
  • Point of View (Palacco’s story passed down from generation to generation)

Writing Skills:

  • Using dialect and dialogue
  • Illustrations add a layer of meaning to a text
  • Small moment stories from your life

Language, Grammar & Conventions:

  • Language Structures
    • “If it don’t go green”
    • Repetition – “I remember” – p. 7
  • Grammar & Conventions
    • Collapsin’, rockin’ (why?)
    • Ellipses
    • Use of commas for phrasing

Vocabulary:

  • mahogany
  • marauder
  • vittles
  • inconsolable
  • muster
  • ransack
  • buckboard
  • stockade
  • dysentery

Mentor Sentence:

“I blessed this house because of all those beautiful books…but I cursed it too, for what it stood for.”  – contrast when a sentence (blessed/cursed), ellipses, symbolism of books

“I could feel my breathin’ catch. My chest was heavy. My hands were sweatin’…” – power of repetition for rhythm and meaning.

Check out our other teaching literacy book recommendations for elementary and middle school.

Wanda Humphrey

Wanda Humphrey has been an educator for 30 years. During her career, she has taught grades K-8, been a reading interventionist, school literacy coach and served as a district literacy coordinator. She is dedicated to cultivating literacy for all students and works with administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers to intentionally utilize high-impact strategies during instruction.

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