Buffalo Dreamer: Chapters 17–20

by Violet Duncan
Twelve-year-old Summer learns of her grandfather's traumatic childhood suffering because of his indigenous (Cree) heritage. Her family's present happiness and unity within their native community in Alberta, Canada, is a beautiful lesson in resilience, honor, and the healing power of love.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6, Chapters 7–10, Chapters 11–14, Chapters 15–16, Chapters 17–20, Chapters 21–26, Chapters 27–30
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. hypnotize
    induce a state that resembles sleep in
    The trail through the valley eventually opens up to a field where grass sways gently in the breeze, almost hypnotizing me with its rhythm.
  2. whiteout
    a weather condition where snow makes it hard to see
    I walked slowly, stumbling over every rock and stick, and by the time I came to a field, I was in a complete whiteout blizzard.
  3. towering
    of imposing height; especially standing out above others
    I looked up and could just make out the towering pines. Their branches reached out in a sheltering embrace. I surrendered beneath their watchful gaze; in this refuge, my spirit felt at ease.
  4. surrender
    relinquish possession or control over
    I looked up and could just make out the towering pines. Their branches reached out in a sheltering embrace. I surrendered beneath their watchful gaze; in this refuge, my spirit felt at ease.
  5. gaze
    a long fixed look
    I looked up and could just make out the towering pines. Their branches reached out in a sheltering embrace. I surrendered beneath their watchful gaze; in this refuge, my spirit felt at ease.
  6. refuge
    a shelter from danger or hardship
    I looked up and could just make out the towering pines. Their branches reached out in a sheltering embrace. I surrendered beneath their watchful gaze; in this refuge, my spirit felt at ease.
  7. burrow
    move through by or as by digging
    I pushed the snow around me and burrowed in deeper. My body, weak with hunger and fatigue, welcomed the rest.
  8. fatigue
    temporary loss of strength and energy from hard work
    I pushed the snow around me and burrowed in deeper. My body, weak with hunger and fatigue, welcomed the rest.
  9. confide
    reveal in private
    The peaceful scene here is such a contrast to my dream!
    What is the deal with these dreams, anyway? They seem so real. I decide I need to confide in somebody about all this as soon as I can.
  10. plunge
    cause to be immersed
    The water is ice cold, and I shiver plunging in, but it feels so refreshing after being out in the sun most of the morning.
  11. emerge
    come out of
    The morning flies by, and when we finally emerge from the water, we’re starving.
  12. probe
    question or examine thoroughly and closely
    “It’s okay, you’ll be okay,” she reassures me. “They’re only dreams.”
    “I don’t know if they are dreams.” I shake my head.
    “What do you mean?” Autumn probes. “You think these dreams are real? Like this is someone haunting you?”
    “I don’t know; they feel so real...."
  13. relieved
    made easier to bear
    “Summer, it’s going to be okay. You’ve got me on the case now. Remember: ‘Every puzzle solved and every truth uncovered has the power to change lives and restore hope.’ So we got this!”
    I hug her back, relieved to finally share my secret.
  14. nudge
    push against gently
    “Hey, you two! We’re going to visit Kokom Rose. You two okay to come hang out for a bit? Sage can ride home with Mosom and Kokom.”
    “Ya, that’s fine,” I say.
    Autumn nudges me and whispers, “Yes! This will be a great chance to learn more facts.”
  15. incentive
    a positive motivational influence
    “Okay, girls, stay out of trouble. We’ll be here for about an hour.” Mom winks at us and adds an incentive like she used to when we were little. “If you behave, we’ll go into town and get a treat tomorrow.”
  16. audible
    heard or perceptible by the ear
    "...They did find unmarked graves, and we are currently at eighteen, but the numbers might go up in the next couple of days.”
    At this news, we hear audible gasps from inside.
  17. gasp
    a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
    "...They did find unmarked graves, and we are currently at eighteen, but the numbers might go up in the next couple of days.”
    At this news, we hear audible gasps from inside.
  18. acknowledge
    express recognition of the presence or existence of
    Then we hear that a march is being planned for Saturday morning to acknowledge all that is happening and show our support.
  19. puzzled
    filled with bewilderment
    Mom gives me a puzzled look, and I say, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I’ve been having some pretty weird dreams lately.”
  20. seer
    a person with unusual powers of foresight
    “Kokom Rose is a healer and a seer,” Mom says. “It’ll be good to talk with her about your dreams.”
Created on Mon Mar 10 20:43:53 EDT 2025 (updated Mon Mar 31 16:43:50 EDT 2025)

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