Sisters in the Wind: Part Five

by Angeline Boulley
This novel follows Ojibwe teenager Lucy Smith as she faces the horrors of her past in the foster system.

This list covers vocabulary from Part Five.

Here are links to our lists for the book:

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five.
15 words 7 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. happenstance
    an accidental event that seems to have been arranged
    I had a small and quiet existence while trying to figure out how to create a life that felt more than happenstance.
  2. devoid
    completely wanting or lacking
    The air is full of nature but devoid of people.
  3. apparition
    something existing in perception only
    I’m not an apparition. I'm really here.
  4. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    It’s not his supercilious manner that frightens me, but the hint of a smirk.
  5. threshold
    the entrance for passing through a room or building
    Sterling stands at the threshold, blocking my exit in case I have any ideas of fleeing.
  6. contempt
    open disrespect for a person or thing
    “You stupid girl,” Mr. Sterling says with dismissive contempt. “If that were true, you would have led with it. I know liars.”
  7. impassive
    having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
    Although his expression remains impassive, he adjusts his tie as if it had tightened around his neck.
  8. minuscule
    very small
    She must have a plan to help me. I want to shout for her to call the police, but my distrust of authority figures is minuscule compared to hers.
  9. assessment
    the act of judging a person or situation or event
    I start my assessment, looking for any head injury.
  10. bodice
    part of a dress above the waist
    A strapless, shimmering silver bodice that looks painted onto her beautiful, strong body.
  11. regalia
    especially fine or decorative clothing
    Red is one of the traditional colors she incorporates into her regalia.
  12. incandescent
    characterized by ardent emotion, intensity, or brilliance
    He glances over, catches her gazing at him with something both wistful and incandescent.
  13. tentatively
    in a hesitant manner
    He reaches tentatively toward her face.
  14. limbo
    a period of prolonged uncertainty
    Although not considered suspects, they’re in limbo waiting for developments in the investigation, which has only just begun.
  15. beneficiary
    the recipient of funds or other advantages
    John Brian Jameson had amended his will to name me as the sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
Created on Mon Mar 09 08:38:00 EDT 2026 (updated Mon Mar 16 12:31:15 EDT 2026)

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