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. suspension (noun):

removal, usually temporary, of a student from their school

“The headmaster had threatened me with death by in-school suspension if anything bad, embarrassing, or even mildly entertaining happened on this trip.” (Chapter 1, Page 3)

2. gallery (noun):

a place in which art is displayed

“He rode up front in his wheelchair, guiding us through the big echoey galleries, past marble statues and glass cases full of really old back-and-orange pottery.” (Chapter 1, Page 4)

3. disgorge (verb):

to eject through the throat and mouth

“Well, half credit, Mr. Jackson. Zeus did indeed feed Kronos a mixture of mustard and wine, which made him disgorge his other five children, who, of course, being immortal gods, had been living and growing up completely undigested in the Titan’s stomach.” (Chapter 1, Page 6).

4. dyslexia (noun):

a condition affecting a student’s ability to read and interpret words, letters, and other written symbols

“But Mr. Brunner expected me to be as good as everybody else, despite the fact that I have dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and I had never made above a C- in my life.