Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres Vocabulary list, Chapters 16-20

extremely confused or puzzled

“What?” I ask, baffled and slightly terrified.

hardly or scarcely — used to say that something was almost not possible or almost did not happen

It is Tía Perla—and someone’s outstretched arm passing a bag to a customer whose face you can barely make out under a dark hooded sweatshirt.

to make or cause (something) to make the loud, ringing sound of metal hitting against something

Someone clangs a spoon against a big glass jar of pickles.

to end or disappear or cause (something) to end or disappear

I shoot him a look that says too soon, but it dissolves quickly back into a smile.

not strong or solid

I can tell she’s nearly shouting, but from back here, her voice sounds small and flimsy.

very angry, discouraged, or upset because of being unable to do or complete something

I’m a little frustrated that he doesn’t seem to understand what a big deal this is when I realize we aren’t heading for any of our usual dinnertime stops.

the effect or influence that something or someone has on a person's thoughts or feelings

They’ll make an impression.

feeling or showing an unhappy or angry desire to have what someone else has

I’m a little jealous I didn’t get to hear first, but I guess I understand.

not strong, good, or effective

“Whatever. Of course I knew,” I lie lamely.

usually large painting that is done directly on the surface of a wall

But mostly there are taco trucks, many of them with vivid murals on their sides that make Tía Perla look even older and plainer than usual.

a quiet expression of an opinion or feeling

There are murmurs of agreement, and the rumble threatens to build into a roar again.

having or showing very fine or admirable qualities

El Toro is a bright red truck with a giant black bull painted right in the middle, its head raised nobly as it gazes off into the distance.

to feel or cause to feel sudden overpowering fear

His lips move softly as he reads the letter, and I start to panic.

to feel sad or sorry about (something that you did or did not do): to have regrets about (something)

And to tell the truth, I was starting to regret missing out on Suzy’s amazing chorizo and eggs.

a regular way of doing things in a particular order

Since it’s not our usual routine, and because we have to pick up Tía Perla on the way, I barely make it to school on time.

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

In the art studio the next afternoon, Mr. Salazar doesn’t leave us in suspense for long.

having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly : feeling or showing suspicion

No. Way. I turn the newspaper clipping over, suddenly suspicious. “Is this even real?”

to think of (someone or something) as being lower in ability, influence, or value than that person or thing actually is

“Never underestimate the power of live music.”

very important and needing immediate attention

I tell Mrs. Garcia that it’s not urgent—I’ll just see Amanda at school tomorrow.

done, found, or used most of the time or in most cases : normal or regular

Since it’s not our usual routine, and because we have to pick up Tía Perla on the way, I barely make it to school on time.

a judgment or opinion about something

Julia and Maddie had been squeezing each other’s hands, waiting for Mr. Salazar’s verdict.

to complain in an annoying way

“Maaaaami, seriously,” I whine. “You were, like, a block away. I was fine.”

a state of busy movement or activity

The dinner rush is such a whirl that I almost miss Amanda and Arthur jumping up and down, waving their arms from the middle of the line.

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust

“Yes!” Jake slaps his hands against the art table, then winces. “Ow.”