This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1.     court-ordered (adjective):

required, as per the decision made by a judge in a court of law

“Boys don’t write in journals, / unless it’s court-ordered.” (Week 1, Page 13)

2.     delinquent (noun):

a person who committed a crime, typically a minor one

3.     adjudicated (adjective):

describing a person or thing that has been formally judged

“I don’t feel like a delinquent / and I don’t know what adjudicated means / (even after looking it up).” (Week 1, Page 14)

4.     probation (adjective):

a state of supervision in which good behavior is required

“How do you let yourself / become a probation officer?” (Week 2, Page 16)

5.     juvie (noun, informal):

a juvenile detention center or court for young offenders

“You better take this journal seriously, / James told me Monday / Or they’ll throw you in juvie so fast / your head will spin.” (Week 2, Page 18)

6.     jackhammer (noun):

a portable hammer or drill

“When he chokes we use the suction / machine / and it is so loud / like a jackhammer drinking a Slurpee.