Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1.overrated (adjective):

valued more highly than something is worth

“I wailed in despair, and she told me to stop crying because having arms was totally overrated.” (Chapter 1, Page 2)

2. traumatized (past tense verb):

shocked from something emotionally disturbing or from an injury

“So I kind of traumatized her and had to have a meeting with my parents and the teacher later about my story.” (Chapter 1, Page 5)

3. privy (adjective):

sharing secret knowledge

“I wasn’t sure why an eighty-six-year-old woman who lived in a trailer in Kansas was the only person privy to this top-secret information, but she clearly was.” (Chapter 2, Page 8)

4. résumé (noun):

a document that lists a person’s education, skills, and job experiences

“I guess he found my resume on one of the job sites where I posted it.” (Chapter 2, Page 9)

5. entice (present tense verb):

tempt someone by promising them something they like

“’Stop trying to entice me,’ I said.” (Chapter 2, Page 10)

6. humble (adjective):

modest; not fancy