Realistic Contemporary Fiction Unit 2 Vocab

disperse -verb -to spread over a wide area -to scatter An event at lunch caused the gang to disperse (Draper 113).

bleak -adj -lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness -dreary, grim, depressing Julio mentions a cold, bleak rain (Draper 129)

cultivate -verb -to try to acquire or develop -(also) to prepare and use land for crops or gardening Julio’s mom tells him to cultivate his friendship with Romiette (Draper 131).

mindful -adj -conscious or aware of something Destiny tells Romiette that her star book warns them to be mindful of the consequences of a fire/water meeting (Draper 147).

sanction -verb -give official permission or approval for an action Julio’s dad says he won’t sanction the relationship (Draper 151).

perceptive -adj -having or showing sensitive insight -observant Romiette is glad that her mom is so perceptive (Draper 170).

simultaneously -adv -occurring at the same time The gang members exited the car simultaneously (Draper 176).

conviction -noun -a firmly held belief or opinion Romiette spoke without conviction (Draper 180).

soberly -adv -in a grave or serious manner Julio spoke soberly about the gang (Draper 180).

retaliation -noun -the act of getting back at someone -revenge Romiette and Julio fear gang retaliaton (Draper 190).