Pink and Say

Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and say. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Read on June 2, 2012.

Although this historical fiction book is not an award winner, I chose it because of the author. I love Patricia Polacco because of the depth and personal feelings with which she writes. Even though it hasn't won an award, in my eyes, it definitely should have. Along with the amazing story of two unlikely friends, Polacco utilizes her usual style of illustration--expressionism. The reader can tell more about the feelings and emotions of the character by looking at the drawings, than you can from the words on the page.

Pinkus Aylee (Pink) and Sheldon Curtis (Say), find each other while laying wounded in the battlefield during the Civil War. Pink took Say home to his mom, Moe Moe Bay, who nursed both boys back to health with a promise from them that they wouldn’t fight anymore. Pink promises but works hard to find out how he can meet back up with his Union Troop. Say, on the other hand, ran away from his troop and has no desire to return because of the things they do to men (or boys in Say's case) who abandon their troop. Moe Moe Bay eventually loses her life, protecting her “boys” and they set out on the road to find their troops. In true Polacco fashion, Pink made a promise that he would teach Say how to read. That promise was never fulfilled because both boys were captured by Confederate troops. Say got to live a long life and pass the story of Pink and Moe Moe Bay on to his family. Pink, on the other hand, was hanged shortly after reaching the prison for black soldiers. 

Just like in Because of Winn-Dixie, the author had the reader speak in the same manner in which the characters would have. Using words like 'cause, flyin', and gotta, the reader can really become actively involved in the story (Fish).