Word Wizard
1. Tottery pg. 5 Para: 2
It might sound a bit extreme for a man to call the police on his own tottery old parents, put when my grandparents got in a car, trouble just naturally followed them like a filly trailing behind a mare.
Tottery: (adj.) being unstable
This word adds to the meaning of the story because it really describes the grandparents. It helps the reader be able to visualize Gram and Gramps and get a feel of how they are.
Word Association
What other words might go with tottery?
2. Omnipotent pg. 12, para. 3
One girl, Mary Lou Finney, said the most peculiar things, like out of the blue she would say “Omnipotent!” or “Beef Brain!”
Omnipotent: (adj.) almighty
This word adds to understanding of Mary Lou. It shows that she isn’t like anyone else. Her personality and family are different than Sal’s or Phoebe’s families.
Applause, Applause
Clap to show how much (a lot, a little or not at all) you would want to hear someone randomly shout out “Omnipotent!”
3. Diabolic pg. 29, para. 1
“What was the diabolic thing that happened to Mr. Cadaver?” Gramps asked.
Diabolic: (adj) devilish
This world adds to the meaning by showing how Sal and Phoebe think of Margaret Cadaver.
Have you ever?
Have you ever done a diabolical thing to a friend?
Have you ever done a diabolical thing to someone you did not know?