Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres Vocabulary list, Chapters 21-25

a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen

With the city council meeting just two days away, the place crackles with nervous anticipation like drops of water on a sizzling pan.

permission to do something : acceptance of an idea, action, plan, etc.

Arthur has turned his playlist over to Mr. Salazar for approval, and Maddie has sent invitations to all the middle schools nearby.

a sweet or pleasant smell

It is the first burrito of the day that sells all the others, Papi always tells me, beckoning new customers with its warm, tempting aroma.

to get ready for something difficult or unpleasant

I’m bracing myself for another argument when she says, “Fine.”

to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something

When Papi isn’t on the phone with other drivers, he’s meeting them in person to worry or plot or complain.

to say or write that something (as a book or song) is written or performed as a compliment to someone

“Can you get Viviana to dedicate a song to me?”

to listen secretly to what other people are saying

Maddie would know I’d been eavesdropping, I reason.

to breathe out

I finally exhale, and we sit down on the grass.

to say (something) in an angry way

“She doesn’t know her,” Julia fumes.

a light silly laugh

Maddie puts her hand over her mouth to quiet her giggles.

a bad feeling caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something bad or wrong

A little well of guilt bubbles up in my throat, but just like missing the concert, maybe this is for the best.

to refuse to show that you hear or see (something or someone)

She ignores me when I start to complain.

relaxed and calm in a way that shows that you do not care or are not worried about anything

I peel the tinfoil wrapping from one of Papi’s homemade chicken-and-corn burritos—somehow they taste even better a day old—and try to sound nonchalant. “What did you tell her?”

having or showing the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well

“It needs to be very professional,” he says. “No mistakes.”

to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

Mami has promised to deliver the letter as soon as it’s ready.

the activity or business of getting people to give attention to someone or something

“Julia can be in charge of publicity. I’ll make the posters. That’s all I really wanted to do anyway.”

to cause to remember

Once we’re settled in the studio, Mr. Salazar reminds us that to raise the money we need, we’re going to have to plan carefully and work quickly.

overall quality or character as judged by people in general

Here I am, finally escaping Tía Perla’s salsa-soaked reputation, and Julia has to keep reminding people of it.

an act of saving someone or something from danger, harm, or trouble

Arthur comes to my rescue—or at least he tries.

information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true

And anyway, if people are going to whisper behind my back, having them say I’m friends with a pop star isn’t exactly the worst rumor in the world.

to cause (someone) to be happy or pleased

That seems to satisfy him.

to feel or show strong emotion (such as anger) even though you try to control it

“You know she isn’t coming.” Julia is seething on the way into the art studio for our dance-planning session after school. “Why do you keep pretending she is?”

to speak quickly or in a confused way because you are upset, surprised, etc.

“Well… I… you know… anyway, this is so your fault,” I sputter.

causing an urge or desire to have or do something

It is the first burrito of the day that sells all the others, Papi always tells me, beckoning new customers with its warm, tempting aroma.