Pink and Say

My Child Language and Lit class has been just a bunch of busy work for me this semester. I learn a few new things every once in a while and I have some interesting discussions during class.

Every week we take a quiz, write down a quote from the chapter, ask a question, then do research to find two sources with answers. (busy work)

Every Thursday we bring a childrens book to class and read it to a group of three other people. I usually forget to bring a book and luckily someone brings two and I get one of theirs or I run to the library at 7:40 a.m. before my 7:45 a.m. class.

This week's book was a stage 7 book which is for ages 5-7. We were supposed to bring a historical biography of some sort.

Tuesday was Labor day and so my teach had a special book to read to us.

I started this class not really caring too much about childrens books. I mean, I knew I was going to read to my kids. I just don't remember any favorites (besides R.L. Stein when I was in Elementary School) from my childhood like so many others in this class do.

But I have seen some pretty amazing books. If anyone ever wants a list, I'll gladly give you a list of some really good ones.

The story she read was, "Pink and Say" by Patricia Polacco

I don't want to give all the details, because I think you should read it. I've never had a book meant for 10 year olds move me like this one did. It's beautiful. A true story and written by a descendant of the main character. I'm definitely buying this book for my library. I'll tell you what it's basically about.

During the Civil war, Sheldon Curtis (Say) tries to escape his unit and is wounded. Pinkus Aylee, (Pink) a slave from Georgia finds him and takes him home where he and his mom take care of him and nurse him back to health. While there, Say realizes why Pink wants to fight this war so badly; to free him from this disease(slavery). Say decides to face his fears, he doesn't want to fight anymore, and help his friend Pink. During the story Say tells Pink and his mom that he shook Abraham Lincoln's hand. Say tells Pink to shake his hand so he can say that he, "Shook the hand of the hand that shook President Lincoln's hand". It's amazing to think of a 11-15 year old boy going through these things these boys are going through. I'm going to end there because I really can't spoil the ending.

Just know it's beautiful. Read it. Buy it and have your children read it. Read it to your kids. I'm going to buy it and read it to my husband :)

Have any of you read this? If so, what did you think? Don't spoil the ending for those who haven't read it.

p.s. - don't forget to let me know if your coming to Dinner Friday night the 21st at 7:00 at Sampans in the South Towne mall in the post below.