I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937: Chapters 9–17

by Lauren Tarshis
In this thirteenth book of the historical fiction I Survived series, eleven-year-old Hugo Ballard is on the German airship that is about to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey, when an explosion knocks him off his feet.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–8, Chapters 9–17
35 words 14 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. waver
    move in a rising and falling pattern
    As they walked, Dad eyed the gas cells that wavered all around them.
  2. monitor
    keep an eye on; keep under surveillance
    “The gas cells are constantly monitored,” Mr. Singer said. “There are ladders and walkways that allow the crew to inspect the cells from every side. The captain has instruments in the cockpit that immediately detect if there is a leak. We’ve been flying with hydrogen for fourteen years without an accident.”
  3. steward
    an attendant on an airplane
    One of the Hindenburg's stewards appeared, red-faced and out of breath.
  4. stable
    maintaining equilibrium
    “She’s stable now,” he told them. “We finally got her fever down.”
  5. flutter
    move back and forth very rapidly
    Gertie’s eyes fluttered open.
  6. rasp
    speak in a harsh, grating voice
    “Oogo,” she rasped.
  7. verboten
    forbidden or prohibited
    He passed a very big sign with the angry-looking words:
    ZUTRITT VERBOTEN
    Hugo was pretty sure that meant something like keep out.
  8. wicker
    flexible branches or twigs that can be woven together
    He walked to the very back, and there was a big wicker cage.
  9. nuzzle
    gently rub or push one's nose or face against something
    Hugo stood there for a moment, nuzzling his dog, happily accepting a shower of slobbering licks.
  10. rummage
    search haphazardly
    He lifted the lid and rummaged inside.
  11. dawn
    become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
    Whatever was inside that envelope was important.
    Hugo’s whole body tingled as it suddenly dawned on him.
  12. suspect
    believe to be guilty
    Nobody would suspect that smiling Mr. Singer was actually a courageous spy.
  13. inspire
    supply the idea for
    Hugo thought for a moment, suddenly inspired.
  14. distract
    draw someone's attention away from something
    But maybe Hugo could distract Kohl so he wouldn’t spot Mr. Singer on the ladder.
  15. menacing
    threatening evil or danger
    Kohl took a step closer, and Panya began to growl menacingly.
  16. stench
    a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
    “You know, young man, I can always tell if a person is lying. A liar’s sweat gives off a stench, like rotting flesh.”
  17. filthy
    vile; despicable
    “The man we are looking for is a filthy criminal,” Kohl said.
  18. traitor
    someone who betrays his country by committing treason
    “He is a traitor. Anyone caught helping this man will be arrested.”
  19. steady
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
    “I’m telling the truth, sir,” Hugo said, his voice more steady now.
  20. patter
    a quick succession of light rapid sounds
    The patter of rain sounded like a million rocks pounding against the zeppelin.
  21. stalk
    go through (an area) in search of prey
    The Nazi had stalked his prey to the cargo room last night.
  22. hangar
    a structure where aircraft can be stored and maintained
    Hugo spotted an enormous building—the Hindenburg's hangar. Beyond it was a big open field where the landing crew was already waiting.
  23. gape
    look with amazement
    They were gaping at the Hindenburg, their eyes wide with shock and horror.
  24. overturn
    flip from an upright or normal position
    He wound up against the back wall, mashed behind at least ten bodies and a jumble of overturned tables and chairs.
  25. clamp
    fasten with or as with a device that holds things tightly
    Hugo had lost sight of them, but now Marty clamped hold of his hand as though she’d never let go.
  26. bellow
    shout loudly and without restraint
    “I know what you did!” Kohl bellowed, his voice rising up above the crackling fire and the groaning of the airship.
  27. churn
    be agitated
    The zeppelin was shaking now, the flames churning all around them.
  28. heave
    lift or elevate
    They joined hands and lunged for the windows.
    Mr. Singer heaved Hugo out first.
  29. slab
    block consisting of a thick piece of something
    Chunks of the flaming Hindenburg were now crashing down around Hugo and Mr. Singer—the white-hot metal beams. The slabs of burning walls.
  30. scorching
    hot and dry enough to burn or parch a surface
    His body erupted in scorching pain as the fire raked his flesh.
  31. caw
    utter a cry, characteristic of crows, rooks, or ravens
    It was just getting light out, and he listened for the familiar sounds of a Kenyan morning—shrieking monkeys and cawing birds and buzzing insects.
  32. douse
    put out, as of a candle or a light
    The cool waters had washed over Hugo and Mr. Singer, dousing the flames that threatened to kill them both.
  33. prance
    move or step in a lively, spirited, or showy way
    At first Hugo didn’t recognize the rosy-cheeked little girl who’d come prancing in.
  34. pennant
    a flag that is awarded to the winner or champion
    His pals had sent him letters and cards, and even a new Yankees pennant signed by Lou Gehrig himself.
  35. propel
    cause to move forward with force
    Panya was waiting in the car, and he was so excited to see Hugo that he managed to propel his little body out the window and almost knock Hugo off his feet.
Created on Tue Oct 24 18:13:41 EDT 2023 (updated Fri Oct 27 14:46:04 EDT 2023)

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