1. The Strongest One
Joseph Bruchac

2. decorated Something that is decorated is made prettier.
The room was decorated with balloons and streamers.
How is your room decorated for Thanksgiving?

3. symbol
A symbol is a picture or a shape that stands for something else.
A heart is a symbol of love.
Name another symbol and what is stands for.

4. darkened
When something is darkened, it becomes dark or is made darker.
The darkened hallway was spooky and eerie.
Why would a room be darkened?

5. gnaws
When a person or an animal gnaws on something, they keep chewing on it.
The dog gnaws on the bone.
Why do you think an animal gnaws on an object?

6. securing When you secure something, you are fastening it firmly.
The boy is securing the button on his jacket.
What other things might need securing?

7. weakest
A person or character is the least strong among the others is the weakest.
The weakest character in the story could not lift the big rock.
What word means the opposite of weakest?