Vocabulary for Teachers and Parents
Here is a list of words that you might want to discuss with your kids before they read each chapter. Some of the younger readers may have difficulty with some of the terms. Make it a learning experience – expand their vocabulary.
Chapter 1
Defiantly
Characterized by defiance; boldly resistant or challenging: a defiant attitude.
Sarcastically
A sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.
Exclusive
Not admitting of something else; incompatible.
Incidents
A definite and separate occurrence; an event.
Doubloons
A gold coin formerly used in Spain and Spanish America.
Chapter 2
Meandering
To follow a winding and turning course.
Manatee
Any of several plant-eating aquatic mammals of the genus Trichechus, of West Indian, Floridian, and Gulf Coast waters, having two flippers in front and a broad, spoon-shaped tail: all species are endangered.
Armadillo
Any of several burrowing, chiefly nocturnal mammals constituting the family Dasypodidae, ranging from the southern U.S. through South America, having strong claws and a jointed protective covering of bony plates.
Abolished
To destroy completely.
Chapter 4
Tabby
A cat with a striped or brindled coat.
Chapter 5
Bickering
To engage in a petty, bad-tempered quarrel; squabble.
Adjoining
Being in contact at some point or line; located next to another; bordering; contiguous.
Chapter 6
Exaggerate
To magnify beyond the limits of truth; overstate; represent disproportionately.
Chapter 7
Expedition
An excursion, journey, or voyage made for some specific purpose, as of war or exploration.
Document
A written or printed paper furnishing information or evidence, as a passport, deed, bill of sale, or bill of lading; a legal or official paper.
Logical
According to or agreeing with the principles of logic.
Symphony
An elaborate instrumental composition in three or more movements, similar in form to a sonata but written for an orchestra and usually of far grander proportions and more varied elements.
Chapter 8
Remote
Far apart; far distant in space; situated at some distance away.
Entranced
To fill with delight or wonder; enrapture.
Anticipation
To realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee.
Grisly
Using a shudder or feeling of horror; horrible; gruesome.
Intrigued
To arouse the curiosity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities; appeal strongly to; captivate.
Chapter 9
Hovering
To remain floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air.
Chapter 10
Shrill
High-pitched and piercing in sound quality.
Chapter 12
Masonry
The craft or occupation of a mason.
Barracks
A building or group of buildings for lodging soldiers.
Chapter 13
Diminished
To make smaller or less or to cause to appear so.
Chapter 14
Vacant
Having no contents; empty; void.
Tankard
A large drinking cup, usually with a handle and a hinged cover.
Chapter 15
Converted
Noting a specified type of person who has been converted from the religion, beliefs, or attitudes characteristic of that type.
Artifacts
An object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of archaeological or historical interest.
Designated
To mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
Reputation
The estimation in which a person or thing is held, esp. by the community or the public generally.
Chapter 16
Immunities
Exemption from any natural or usual liability.
Smuggling
To import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, esp. without payment of legal duty.
Chapter 17
Remnants
Something left over; a remainder.
Chapter 18
Authentic
Not false or copied; genuine; real.
Appraise
To estimate the monetary value of; determine the worth of; assess.
Chapter 19
Discreetly
Judicious in one's conduct or speech, esp. with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
Veranda
A large, open porch, usually roofed and partly enclosed, as by a railing, often extending across the front and sides of a house.
Consensus
Majority of opinion.
Scoundrels
A villain; a rogue.
Chapter 20
Mardi Gras
The day before Lent, celebrated in some cities, as New Orleans and Paris, as a day of carnival and merrymaking.
Garb
A fashion or mode of dress, esp. of a distinctive, uniform kind.
Suppress
To put an end to the activities of (a person, body of persons, etc.)
Resounding
Making an echoing sound.
Scurvy
A disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums, livid spots on the skin, prostration, etc., due to a diet lacking in vitamin C.
Chapter 21
Allegiance
The loyalty of a citizen to his or her government or of a subject to his or her sovereign.
Barricades
A structure set up across a route of access to obstruct the passage of an enemy.
Vendors
One that sells or vends.
Wistfully
Haracterized by melancholy; longing; yearning.
Finale
The last piece, division, or movement of a concert, opera, or composition.
Chapter 22
Token
Something serving to represent or indicate some fact, event, feeling, etc.
Frantically
Desperate or wild with excitement, passion, fear, pain, etc.
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