BHM Children’s Read Alouds: Day 2: Pink and Say

February 2 – Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Genre: Non-Fiction. Oral History

Biography: Pinkus Aylee – Hero, enslaved man and soldier in Georgia, US. About 1840 – 1861

Historical Time Period: Civil War.

Geographical Relevance: Georgia.

Authenticity: The author and illustrator, Patricia Polacco, is the great great granddaughter of ‘Say’. Say is the man that Pinkus Aylee rescues from the hands of Confederate soldiers. The true story of Pinkus’ bravery has been orally passed down through Polacco’s family.

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
Originally published by Philomel 1994

Author Patricia Polacco

The book is potentially quite powerful in teaching children about white privilege. I haven’t had the opportunity to use it in the classroom  yet. Up until recently, I’ve taught Kindergarten and first grade, and I don’t find it appropriate for the early childhood classroom, as it is quite sad and gruesome in parts. I aim to incorporate it into the curriculum of my new third grade class, that I begin teaching tomorrow.

The Picture Book Pusher

BHM Children’s Read Alouds: Day 1: Speak, So You Can Speak Again

February 1. – Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston. by Lucy Anne Hurston.

Genre: Biographical. Non-Fiction

Biography: Zora Neal Hurston – Author, anthropologist, thinker. January 7, 1891 – January 28, 1960

Historical Time Period: Harlem Renaissance.

Geographical Relevance: Florida, New York, Howard University in Washington. D.C.

Authenticity: The author is the niece of Zora Neale Hurston.

Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
By Lucy Anne Hurston and the Estate of Zora Neale Hurston
Published by DOUBLEDAY. 2004

Author Lucy Anne Hurston.

I find this book to be purposeful and appropriate for all ages. K2-12.

The Picture Book Pusher.