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. pacifist (noun): 

a person who is opposed to war or to violence of any kind

“I told him I’m not going to hurt him, I’m a pacifist, and I guess he believed me because when I picked him up he didn’t even fight me or try to run.” (Chapter 1, Page 4)

2. brash (adjective):

hasty, rash, impetuous

“I said, I've been saving the money for my rocket but I can use some of it to buy Carl Sagan's food because he's not that big of a dog, and besides, you should come back to Rockview sometime and meet him in person—I mean, in dog—before you make any brash decisions.” (Chapter 1, Page 6)

3. aeronautics (noun):

the science or art of flight

“Acronyms are words made using the first letter of other words, like how NASA is National Aeronautics and Space Administration.” (Chapter 2, Page 8)

4. namaste (interjection):

a common Hindu respectful expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom; from Sanskrit, “I bow to you”