Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, Vocabulary List Chapters 4-6

a piece of writing

It started with Mrs. Myers reading out loud a composition that Leslie had written about her hobby.

something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.

Jess knew now that he would never be the best runner of the fourth and fifth grades, and his only consolation was that neither would Gary Fulcher.

to join or combine together into one thing

She was quiet for a moment, thinking, Jess decided, about her former school, which he saw as bright and new with a gleaming gymnasium larger than the one at the consolidated high school.

being or appearing to be under a magic spell

"I know" - she was getting excited - "it could be a magic country like Narnia, and the only way you can get in is by swinging across on this enchanted rope."

to cause (someone) to feel very happy and excited

He grabbed the end of the rope and swung out toward the other bank with a king of wild exhilaration and landed gently on his feet, taller and stronger and wiser in that mysterious land.

to look at (something) in a careful way to learn more about it :to study or analyze (something)

"Tonight on Channel 7 at 8 P.M. there is faint to be a special about a famous underwater explorer - Jacques Cousteau.

to shine with a soft light

She was quiet for a moment, thinking, Jess decided, about her former school, which he saw as bright and new with a gleaming gymnasium larger than the one at the consolidated high school.

very beautiful or delightful

It was a glorious autumn day, and if you looked up as you swung, it gave you the feeling of floating.

to make (someone) feel very ashamed or foolish

In her fantasy, Mrs. Meyers was one of the foodaholics who would hide bits of candy bars in odd places - up the hot water faucet! - only to be found out and publicly humiliated before all the other fat ladies.

having a pleasant musical sound or melody

Even her ordinary speaking voice bubbled up from inside her, rich and melodic.

behavior or activity that is annoying but that is not meant to cause serious harm or damage

Leslie was one of those people who sat quietly at her desk, never whispering or daydreaming or chewing gum, doing beautiful schoolwork, and yet her brain was so full of mischief that if the teacher could have seen once through the mask of perfection, she would have thrown her out in horror.

to walk or move in a lively and proud way

Ellie wasn't helping matters, prancing around in her new hose, making a big show of helping Momma with the ham and sweet potatoes for dinner.

to cause or experience an unpleasant feeling that is like the feeling of having many small, sharp points against your skin

The hairs prickled up his neck.

having or showing the annoying attitude of people who care too much about dressing and behaving properly and who are easily upset by other people's behavior, language, etc.

"Momma!" - his voice sounded as prissy as Ellie's.

of, relating to, or suitable for a king or queen

When Leslie spoke, the words rolling out so regally, you knew she was a proper queen.

the act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you

"Shhh," Leslie said, stroking May Belle's head, but May Belle didn't want comfort, she wanted revenge.

extremely silly or unreasonable

Jess was staring at her with his open mouth. He knew it, and he couldn't help himself. it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard.

a noisy argument, fight, etc.

But Leslie had other problems at Lark Creek that caused more of a rumpus than lack of money.

to move smoothly, quietly, or secretly like a snake

The next morning he helped her dress and undress her barbie at least thirty times. Slithering the skinny dress over the doll's head and arms and snapping the tiny fasteners was more than her chubby six-year-old fingers could manage.

to smile or laugh while making a face that shows disrespect

At least if she had one, it would be one less thing for the kids at school to sneer about.

to spend more money than usual on something for yourself

He was glad he'd splurged on it.

a feeling or state of nervousness or excitement caused by wondering what will happen

Since there were only a handful left, they didn't even have to have heats, which took away a lot of the suspense.

someone who uses power in a cruel and unfair way

"...You have to stop people like that. Otherwise they turn into tyrants and dictators."

to feel a strong desire or wish for something or to do something

How could he explain it in a way Leslie would understand, how he yearned to reach out and capture the quivering life about him and how when he tried, it slipped past his fingertips, leaving a dry fossil upon the page?