On the Bright Side: Chapters 17-28

by Anna Sortino
Deaf teenager Ellie meets Jackson at the mainstream school she's been forced into after her boarding school was shut down, but while Jackson helps her adjust, he faces an unexpected and jarring medical problem.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1-6, Chapters 7-16, Chapters 17-28, Chapters 29-39, Chapters 40-52
15 words 16 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. cursory
    hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
    “Can you tell me what’s going on?” the doctor asks while doing a cursory check of my ears.
  2. size up
    look at closely in order to form an opinion about
    She taps the inside of my elbow a few times, sizing up my vein, before reaching for the needle.
  3. matter-of-fact
    concerned with practical matters
    Mom crosses her arms, her voice matter-of-fact.
  4. catalyst
    something that causes an important event to happen
    And a weekend away somewhere feels like the catalyst to really jump-start something…which is kind of exciting?
  5. damper
    a depressing restraint
    They don’t seem to work, only make me sleepy, which would put a damper on tonight’s festivities.
  6. smattering
    a small number or amount
    The driver closes the doors, and there’s a smattering of hoots and cheers as we drive off.
  7. presumptuous
    going beyond what is appropriate, permitted, or courteous
    I hope none of this comes across as presumptuous of me.
  8. queasy
    feeling nausea
    On any other night, I’d scarf down all four of these chicken tenders with no problem. But I’m feeling queasy.
  9. dictate
    determine, order, or control how something is done
    Get over it—I’m so tired of letting him dictate my emotions.
  10. escalate
    increase in extent or intensity
    I don’t know exactly what makes it escalate from an off-kilter feeling to an inability to stand.
  11. inebriated
    stupefied or excited by a chemical substance
    This feels much worse than being inebriated.
  12. gibberish
    unintelligible talking
    I answer the call, but it’s gibberish on the other end.
  13. suggestive
    tending to hint at something improper or indecent
    He motions in a very disgusting, suggestive way, managing to mock both ASL and Ellie in one go.
  14. veer
    turn sharply; change direction abruptly
    “What was that?” I ask, turning to face him.
    “Watch the road!”
    I stare ahead. “I didn’t veer at all; relax.”
  15. antic
    a playful, attention-getting act done for fun and amusement
    “That’s not what it’s for?” my dad asks, face stoic, though he’s clearly amused with his own antics.
Created on Tue Aug 05 08:46:24 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Aug 27 17:46:53 EDT 2025)

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