This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. traitorous (adjective):

treacherous; having the nature of a person who betrays someone’s trust 

“Besides the traitorous leaves, Stella could hear a pair of bullfrogs ba-rupping to each other, but nothing, not a single human voice, from across the pond.” (Chapter 1, Page 2)

2. brindle (adjective):

gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots

“The family sat huddled around the only table in the house, with Dusty, their brindle hound, curled underneath.” (Chapter 2, Page 4)

3. gaped (past tense verb):

stared with an open mouth, as if in wonder

“As Stella gaped, [Tony] hurried on.” (Chapter 3, Page 13)

4. unbridled (participial adjective):

not controlled or restrained

“She thought about the masthead of that paper. Its motto was ‘The Truth Unbridled.’ Stella liked that.” (Chapter 3, Page 24)

5. steely (adjective):

resembling the strength or hardness of steel; usually describes a “hard” expression

“Stella fixed them both with a steely glare, then said in her best royal voice, ‘Both of you must go and slay a dragon for me.