Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres Vocabulary list, Chapters 11-15

to tell someone in a very strong and definite way that something will happen or that something is true

It’s a good thing that the supply closet is looking so empty, he assures us.

something that helps a person find something or solve a mystery

“Papi?” I glance up, searching his face for clues about whether we should worry.

to make (something) appear or seem to appear by using magic

Papi drops handfuls of tomato, onion, and bell pepper onto the grill, then squeezes half a lemon over them, conjuring a little cloud of steam.

capable of being easily spread to others : causing other people to feel or act a similar way

By lunchtime, I’ve caught her contagious optimism and can almost see myself at the arena with her.

a forceful statement in which you say that something must be done or given to you

Finally, I had resolved to demand an answer to the Viviana Vega question this morning, before leaving for school.

to write or tell about

Before she can say anything else, class begins, and Ms. Barlow prints today’s writing exercise on the board: “Describe what it feels like to be wrong."

used to say that someone or something should or should not have or be given something

I’ve been right about deserving some independence, and especially about deserving to go to the Viviana Vega concert.

to gradually become smaller

When the flea market winds down and the line outside Tía Perla finally dwindles, Papi packs up the folding chairs while I wipe down the countertops.

to make (something) sure, certain, or safe

"...You are invited to attend a public hearing to discuss the attached proposals that we hope will maintain a quiet and clean environment throughout the city and will ensure the health and safety of all citizens.”

freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things

“That’s certainly an option. All of you have very generous parents,” Mr. Salazar says.

showing or feeling very strong emotions

I’ve been up for hours, tossing and turning and playing out long, impassioned arguments in my head.

not right or suited for some purpose or situation

The cover is ripped off, probably because his mom thought the picture was inappropriate for school.

to give information to (someone)

"...We are writing to inform you of proposed regulations that, if adopted, could affect your business..."

to bring bad luck to (someone or something)

Not to jinx anything, but this feels like a good sign.

a very amazing or unusual event, thing, or achievement

And then, at the end of the day, an actual miracle actually happens.

having or showing hope for the future : expecting good things to happen

“Well, they haven’t said no,” I tell her, trying to sound optimistic. In my head I add, “Yet. ”

trying too hard to protect someone (such as a child) from danger

“I know you think we’re overprotective, but can you imagine what it was like for us, for Papi and me, when we first got here? We were older than you, but not by much. We didn’t speak the language. We knew almost no one. We had almost nothing..."

a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others

This phone is a privilege. You’ve earned it.

a long and difficult effort to find or do something

We serve a steady dribble of customers as the sun slowly sinks—early birds hoping for a glimpse of Viviana Vega and maybe even an autograph, desperate fans on a quest for last-minute tickets, even if it means paying a fortune.

to a very small degree

It takes me less than ten minutes to get there, and just like I’ve always said, absolutely nothing even remotely dangerous happens along the way.

having or showing a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair

I might as well start decorating, since I’m never going to get to leave, I think resentfully.

an outburst of bad temper

For a second, I’m embarrassed about my taco truck tantrum.

If people do something in unison, they do it together at the same time.

“What?” we say in unison.

to tell (someone) about possible danger or trouble

“You better be prepared if she says yes,” he warns. “You’re in for a lot of work.”