Word Wizard

stammered p. 12 para. 2
"Lupita stammered, 'Captain Ortega has come back?'"
I think the word is a verb that means stumbled over the words.
Stammer means to stutter.
This word adds to the story by showing how surprised Lupita is that the ship has returned and that her mother has left work.

sulky p. 13 para. 3
"Instead she halted for a moment to gesture to a sulky-looking, black-haired boy, who was wearing an out-at-the-elbows mustard-yellow shirt, at the edge of the group."
I think the word is an adjective that means sad-looking
The word means that he looked moody and silent.
This word adds to the story by describing Salvador's demeanor. He is silent and moody.

bewildered p. 14 para. 5
"All three looked solemn, frightened, and bewildered."
I think this word is an adverb that means confused.
The word means confused or puzzled.
This word adds to the story by describing how the family was feeling about their father's death.

condolences p. 27 para. 5
"Many people would know of their father's death by now, and she didn't want anyone to catch her eye and offer condolences."
I think this word is a noun and it means sympathy.
This word means expressions of sympathy and sorrow.
This word adds to the story by explaining that Lupita did not feel like dealing with other people and her father's death at that time.

wizened p. 30 para. 11
"Wizened Uncle Antonio with the drooping mustache said, 'Lupita, your mamá and I talked this morning while you and Salvador were at Captain Ortega's boat.'"
I think the word is an adjective that means old.
This word means wrinkled.
This word adds to the story because it shows that Uncle Antonio is old and has been through many worries.