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Copywork
About This Passage
This passage shows how James Howe writes the inside of Pinky's head. Pinky has a clear wish (run home, hide) and a clear reason he can't act on it (Mrs. Morgan saved him, so he owes her). The passage is doing the work of showing politeness as a choice you make even when every part of you wants to do something else. Good writers let us feel both the wish and the duty at the same time.
Pinky would have liked to run across the street to his house, bury his head in his pillow, and sleep until tomorrow. But seeing as how Mrs. Morgan had just saved his life, he couldn't say no.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Retell the chapter, paying attention to the moment Pinky agrees to go to Mrs. Morgan's porch. What two things is he feeling at the same time?
Discussion Questions
- Kevin bullies Pinky for having a pink bike and a pink-related nickname. What kind of person is Kevin, based on what the chapter shows us? What does he care about most?
- Pinky is embarrassed to be saved by an old woman. Is this a fair feeling or a silly one? What does it tell you about what Pinky thinks a boy is supposed to be?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
a person who uses strength or power to intimidate or hurt someone weaker — often acting out of their own fear or insecurity
Item 2
repeated words in a rhythmic, taunting way meant to embarrass or humiliate the target
Item 3
causing a feeling of self-conscious discomfort, especially when others witness the situation
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Critical Thinking
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