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. regime (noun):

routine or system

“I know the routines of our boarders, and now is the hour when Miss Hagerty, who is past eighty, begins what she calls her nightly beauty regime.” (Prologue, viii)

2. entrusted (past tense verb):

given responsibility for

“On this first night to myself, Dad has entrusted me with his movie projector and all the reels of film.” (Prologue, viii)

3. industrious (adjective):

hardworking, dedicated

“’She’s industrious,’ says Cookie, who has opened four cupboards, taken the carton of eggs out of the refrigerator, and turned on the fire under the skillet.” (Chapter 1, Page 4)

4. commissioned (past tense verb):

paid to make or produce something like a work of art

“He has been commissioned to paint to portraits for a friend of Nana and Papa’s.” (Chapter 1, Page 8)

5. implies (present tense verb):

hints or suggests

“Which is why I can feel that angry flush creep across my cheeks whenever Nana implies that Mom married beneath her.