1. punctilious (64) 

• Definition: Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior; marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: punctiliously (adverb); punctiliousness (noun)

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s punctilious attention to detail helped her do well in the cookie decorating contest.

2. disconcerting (64)

• Definition: Causing one to feel unsettled; confusing

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: disconcert (verb); disconcertingly (adverb); disconcertment (noun)

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s disconcerting habit of speaking her mind left her classmates uneasy.

3. retribution (65)

• Definition: Payback, revenge; punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act 

• “Divine retribution” (as used in the book) is the idea that a higher power, such as a deity, punishes people for their wrongdoings or moral transgressions. 

• Part of speech as used in the book: noun

• This is the only form of this word.

• A sentence of your own: Simi wanted retribution for the small turkeys that attacked her house.

4. denizen (73)

• Definition: Inhabitant; one who frequents a place

• Part of speech as used in the book: noun

• This is the only form of this word.

• A sentence of your own: As a denizen of the chicken coup, Simi knew everything about chickens.

Chapter 5:

5. reproachfully (84)

• Definition: Expressing disappointment in someone or something

• Part of speech as used in the book: adverb

• Other forms of the word: reproach (noun); reproachful (adjective); reproachfulness (noun)

• A sentence of your own: Simi reproachfully spoke with the turkeys, choosing to make them feel disappointed in themselves.

6. defunct (86)

• Definition: No longer living, existing, or functioning

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• This is the only form of this word.

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s defunct watch did not tell the time anymore, making Simi late for English class.

7. distraught (86)

• Definition: Deeply upset and agitated

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: distraughtly (adverb)

• A sentence of your own: Simi was distraught when she saw the turkeys walk away.

8. vestige (89)

• Definition: A trace, mark, or visible sign left by something vanished or lost (such as an ancient city or a condition or practice) 

• Part of speech as used in the book: noun

• This is the only form of this word.

• A sentence of your own: Every vestige of happiness was gone as Simi waved goodbye to the turkeys.

9. nebulous (94)

• Definition: In the form of a cloud; hazy; indistinct, vague

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: nebulously (adverb); nebulousness (noun)

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s nebulous intentions made the turkeys feel uncertain about her.

Chapter 6:

10. laudable (97)

• Definition: Deserving praise and commendation; worthy of praise

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word:  laudableness (noun); laudably (adverb)

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s laudable commitment to English helped her do well on the test.

11. insidious (98)

• Definition: Awaiting a chance to entrap; treacherous; harmful but enticing; seductive

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: insidiously (adverb); insidiousness (noun)

• A sentence of your own: The insidious spread of misinformation on the media created harmful changes to the city.

12. ineffable (99)

• Definition: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; indescribable

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: ineffability (noun); ineffableness (noun); ineffably (adverb)

• A sentence of your own: Simi’s ineffable taste in music surprised the students.

13. ingratiate (101)

• Definition: To gain favor or favorable acceptance by deliberate effort; bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

• Part of speech as used in the book: verb

• Other forms of the word:  ingratiation (noun); ingratiatory (adjective)

• A sentence of your own: Simi tried to ingratiate her teachers by bringing in homemade cookies.

14. euphemism (107)

• Definition: The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. Example: “Downsizing” instead of “cutting jobs”

• Part of speech as used in the book: noun

• Other forms of the word:  euphemist (noun); euphemistic (adjective); euphemistically (adverb)

• A sentence of your own: The lady used the phrase “passed away” instead of “death” to make the phrase softer and easier for the family to hear.

15. obtrusive (107)

• Definition: Undesirably prominent

• Part of speech as used in the book: adjective

• Other forms of the word: obtrusively (adverb); obtrusiveness (noun)

• A sentence of your own: The obtrusive decorations in Simi’s room made her turkeys leave because they were too overwhelming.