5 th grade Reading Island of the Blue Dolphins

gnawed- bitten at or worn away Mom said, “Billy, don’t wear those pants to church, the hem on the bottom of the legs look like the dog gnawed on them!”

headland- a narrow ridge of high land jutting out into the water Cancun, Mexico is a headland.

kelp- any of various large, tough, brown seaweeds I have seen kelp in some Asian dishes.

lair- den or resting place of a wild animal The bears are hibernating in their lair.

ravine- a long, deep, narrow, valley eroded by running water Be careful walking across the ridge so you do not fall into the ravine.

shellfish- a water animal with a shell Many people are allergic to shellfish.

sinew- tendon Sinew works with your muscles to help you move.

brackish- slightly salty Mobile Bay contains brackish water.

cove- a small, sheltered bay; inlet on a shore The crab found protection in the cove.

deafening- very loud; amazingly noisy That whistle has a deafening sound.