Eleven Vocabulary Terms

Front

Embarrassment

Back

A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness. Context: The protagonist experiences embarrassment during her interactions with her teacher and classmates.

Front

Identity

Back

The qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person who they are. Context: The story explores the protagonist's struggle with her identity as she transitions from childhood to adolescence.

Front

Nostalgia

Back

A sentimental longing for the past, often in a bittersweet way. Context: The protagonist reflects on her younger years, feeling nostalgic for the simplicity of being a child.

Front

Vulnerable

Back

Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or harm. Context: The protagonist feels vulnerable as she navigates her feelings about growing up and her interactions with others.

Front

Confusion

Back

A lack of clarity or understanding; a state of bewilderment. Context: The protagonist experiences confusion about her emotions and her place in the world as she turns eleven.

Front

Maturity

Back

The state of being fully developed or grown up, often associated with wisdom and responsibility. Context: The story examines what it means to be mature, contrasting the protagonist’s feelings with societal expectations.

Front

Perception

Back

The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. Context: The protagonist's perception of herself is influenced by her classmates and her experiences in school.

Front

Symbolize

Back

To represent or stand for something else. Context: The age "eleven" symbolizes the complexities of growing up and the protagonist's mixed feelings about this transition.

Front

Isolation

Back

The state of being separated from others; loneliness. Context: The protagonist often feels isolated in her experiences and emotions, particularly during her birthday.

Front

Transition

Back

The process of changing from one state or condition to another. Context: The protagonist is going through a transition from childhood to adolescence, which is central to the story's themes.