Pink and Say

Pink and Say
by Patricia Polacco

Published: 1994 Publisher: Philomel Books
Hardback: 48 pages ISBN: 0399226710

Genre: Historical fiction
Recommended for children 6+ and grades 2 - 5.

Plot Summary:
This heart-wrenching children's picture book tells the story of two young soldiers during the Civil War. Sheldon Curtis, a fifteen year old white soldier, is found injured in a field by another young soldier who is African-American, Pinkus Aylee. Pink carries Say back to his home where his grandmother takes care of him and nurses him back to health. Over this time, the boys become friends and begin to understand each other. One day, marauders come to the house and capture both the boys. While in captivity, the boys receive vastly different treatment. In the end, the reader learns that Say was the great-great-great grandfather of the author and the story is an oral history passed down through generations of her family.

Quantitative Reading Level:
Lexile: 590L

Qualitative Reading Level:
 According to the SCASS Literature Text Complexity and Qualitative Measures Rubric, this text can be categorized as Slightly Complex. As far as text structure and organization, the text is very clear. The events occur chronologically. The illustrations directly support the text and assist to interpret the meaning of the poem. (As well, they are beautiful, moving illustrations). Its language features are explicit and easy to understand. Most vocabulary is  familiar and conversational although some southern dialect is used. The sentence structure is primarily simple. The theme is clear and consistent throughout the story. There are not many knowledge demands but an understanding of the Civil War time period would help bring meaning to the text. The experiences portrayed are common to that time period and there are no allusions to other texts.

Content Area:
English
Social Science (Us History, Civil War)

Content Area Standards for Social Science:
Common Core State Standards
CCSS Grade 4 Reading Standard for Key Ideas and Details: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.

CA Social Science Standards
CA Social Science Standard 8.10 Students analyze the multiple causes, key events, and complex consequences of the Civil War.
8.17 Explain how the war affected combatants, civilians, the physical environment, and future warfare.

Curriculum Suggestions:
1. Civil War study
2. US history study
3. Dialect study

Links:
Author's Website

Brief Youtube Video on Book

Sample Lesson Plan