Pink and Say facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Patricia Polacco |
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| Illustrator | Patricia Pollaco Age:73 |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Published | 1994 |
| Publisher | Philomel Books |
| Pages | 48. |
Pink and Say is a powerful children's book written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. It was first published in 1994. The story takes place during the American Civil War and tells about the friendship between two young soldiers.
One soldier, Sheldon Russell Curtis, called "Say," is white and gets hurt trying to escape a battle. He is saved by Pinkus Aylee, or "Pink," a Black soldier who used to be enslaved. Pink takes Say to his home in Georgia, where his mother, Moe Moe Bay, cares for Say. While recovering, Say learns why Pink is so determined to fight: to end the terrible practice of slavery.
The Story of Pink and Say
The story starts during the American Civil War. Sheldon Russell Curtis, or "Say," is a white Union Soldier. He is badly hurt on the battlefield. Say tries to escape with an injured leg, but the pain stops him.
Lying on the ground, Say sees an African American soldier named Pinkus Aylee, or "Pink." Pink comes to rescue him. Say is unsure at first because Pink is African American. Pink gives Say some water to help him.
A New Friendship
Pink carefully carries Say back to his home in Georgia. There, Pink lives with his mother, Moe Moe Bay. Pink and his mother help Say get back to full health. This kind act makes Say friends with Pink and his mother. They spend peaceful days together.
Later, a group of "Marauders" arrives. These were Confederate soldiers who searched homes. Moe Moe Bay quickly tells Pink and Say to hide. They go into the root cellar, out of sight.
A Sad Farewell
The soldiers shoot and kill Moe Moe Bay. This was to distract them from the boys. Pink and Say eventually come out of the cellar. They find Moe Moe Bay's body. They decide to bury her.
Afterward, Pink and Say decide to try and find their own troops. On their way back to camp, some Confederates find them. They take them to their camp as prisoners of war.
The End of Their Journey
The two prisoners are treated very differently. Say is set free some months later. Pink, however, is killed within hours.
At the end of the book, Patricia Polacco shares a special detail. She tells readers that Sheldon Curtis was her great-great-grandfather. The story of Pink and Say was passed down in her family. It was an oral tradition, meaning it was told by word of mouth. Polacco wrote the book to remember Pinkus Aylee. She calls Pink her great-great-grandfather's hero.
