Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu Chapters 10-14

to very much want to have or achieve something

Decaying leaves clung fiercely to the floor among tiny green sprouts that aspired toward the world above.

having no pattern or decoration

Hazel drew a tiny fort in the middle of the page — an austere palace framed by four tall turrets.

final decision reached by reasoning

The logical conclusion was that Jack was not in school today.

to talk about or admit something that makes you embarrassed, ashamed, etc.

Within a week, he confessed to dumping chemicals in a nearby river.

to look at with careful and thoughtful attention

All you can do is contemplate the funny ways of weeds.

to seek the opinion or advice of

Hazel looked from one side to the other and bit her lip, then consulted the compass.

to figure out by using reason or logic

Bobby was smirking at her, she noted, and she deduced that it was a smirk of victory.

to show the limits or edges of (something)

She stood looking at the line of trees that demarcated the woods as clearly as any doorway.

separate and different from each other

She took up position in a discrete corner of the playground, which she calculated was the best place to observe the door without being seen.

lasting forever : having no beginning and no end

Now it felt eternal.

to threaten harm to

Her eyes fell on Tyler and Bobby, she did not blush and turn away or menace them with school supplies.

to do a favor for or do something as a favor

The outside world obliged Hazel by being as gray and unpleasant as possible.

different from the usual : ODD

A small man with round glasses, big cheeks, and a ring of thin brown-gray hair was looking at her as if she were doing something very peculiar.

not moving but ready to move

Hazel looked down at her feet, poised in perfect third position, and then undid them and followed her mom into the kitchen.

very basic and powerful — used especially to describe feelings that are like the feelings of animals and that seem to come from a part of human nature that has existed since ancient times

Hazel took a deep breath and was about to step forward when some primal instinct made he turn her head to the left.

to try to get or do over a period of time

There are a couple of different avenues I want to pursue.

to drive back

She just eyed them coolly, as if they were nothing to her, as if their nothingness surprised and slightly repelled her.

to give up (a job or position) by a formal or official act

Within two weeks, he'd resigned and spent the rest of his days in a small cabin writing confessional poetry.

a person (as a soldier) on duty as a guard

The trees stood in front of her like sentries, and she could not tell whether they intended to welcome her or keep her out.

to enclose on all sides : ENCIRCLE

The birds both turned their heads to look at her, and she stood in the middle of the clearing surrounded by tree giants while two dog-size maybe-ravens eyeballed her and a naked clock ticked on behind her like fate.

to look over : EXAMINE

When she walked into Mrs. Jacobs's class she surveyed her fellow students with impassive interest.

possible to touch or handle : MATERIAL

The air was a tangible thing, rushing into Hazel's lungs as she breathed, touching her skin like a curious ghost.

to be full of something

A row of shelves teeming with books.

celebrating victory of success

But he did not look triumphant or mocking.