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. the lion’s share (phrase):

the largest part of something; most of something

“Mai does the lion’s share of the speaking and eating (I give her my cone once I’ve had

enough), and all I know for certain, with the sun on our faces and the sweet ice cream holding our attention, is that this is a day that I will never forget.” (Chapter 1)

2. onomatopoetic (adjective):

when a word sounds like what it means, for example, “buzz.”

“How onomatopoetic is that word? Fetus. Insane.” (Chapter 2)

3. pigment (noun):

the coloring in plants or animals

“They are so white, they are almost blue. They don’t have circulation problems; they just don’t have much pigment.” (Chapter 2)

4. quantify (verb):

measure in numbers; calculate

“Counselor Winkleman had elaborate notes and wrote up painstakingly detailed reports where he made an effort to quantify his students’ abilities and deficiencies.” (Chapter 5)

5. longevity (noun):

long life

“The combination of olive oil, hearty vegetables, and cheese that comes from goat’s milk, mixed with decent servings of fish and meat, had been shown in numerous studies to promote longevity.