DIY Homeschooler

Pink and Say is a picture book by Patricia Polacco set during the Civil War.

Young Sheldon (Say) has been hit and left behind confederate lines. Pinkus (Pink) risks his life to bring Say to safety and, with his mother’s help, nurse Say back to health. Now the boys need to get back to their units as every minute they stay with Moe Moe Bay puts her life in danger. Moe Moe Bay’s strong faith will go with them. The boys will be forever bonded together by their experiences.

The vibrant illustrations depict, and the strong story line speaks to, the real life and times of the Civil War — the kindnesses and heartbreaks. Because of the content, even though it is a picture book, you may wish to preview Pink and Say before passing the book along to young or sensitive children.

Wow! A story that speaks to the heart, one that leaves the reader changed. Highly recommended!

Suggestions

Have your students do one or more of the following:

• Narrate the story in some fashion.
• Which character do you find more interesting: Pink or Say?
• What character traits stand out? What traits would you wish to emulate?
• Older students can write a character study of their favorite character.
• Younger students can use this interactive from ReadWriteThink.org to create a character card.
• Learn more about Abraham Lincoln.
• Create an author notebooking page for Patricia Polacco.

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Additional Resources

Pink and Say Lit Lesson
Discussion, comprehension, and vocabulary activities from Upper Iowa University.

Drawing & Writing Notebooking Paper {Free Download}
Notebooking pages with room to illustrate at the top and write at the bottom for copywork, narrations, or wrapping up.

Free Nature Studies: The Honey Bee
This study includes another favorite Patricia Polacco title!