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.