Earthquake Terror: Chapters 1–2

by Peg Kehret
Twelve-year-old Jonathan Palmer; his six-year-old and partially-paralyzed sister, Abby; and their parents are camping in Northern California when an earthquake hits. Separated from their parents, and without food, water, or help, Jonathan, Abby, and their dog, Moose, have to survive the devastating quake and find their way to safety.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–5, Chapters 6–8, Chapters 9–13, Chapters 14–16
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. eerie
    inspiring a feeling of fear; strange and frightening
    The deserted campground seemed eerie, like a ghost town. It’s too quiet, Jonathan thought. Where is everyone?
  2. magpie
    long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous call
    Today the only sounds were the cawing of an occasional magpie and the dry leaves crackling underfoot as Jonathan and his golden retriever, Moose, walked along the trail.
  3. dislodge
    remove or force from a position previously occupied
    He rubbed the toe of his tennis shoe into the dusty trail, dislodging a stone.
  4. limber
    capable of moving or bending freely
    Jonathan did some leg stretches to keep limber and then glanced down the trail again.
  5. maneuver
    move skillfully, as around obstacles or into a position
    No matter how long it took Abby to maneuver her walker, they encouraged her to move around by herself, while they waited.
  6. destination
    the place designated as the end, as of a race or journey
    The Palmers never came to Magpie Campground during the popular summer months anymore, when the lake was a favorite destination for swimmers, and fishermen clogged the riverbanks.
  7. sprawl
    sit or lie with one's limbs spread out
    A second ago she joked about ice cubes and now she was sprawled on the lake bottom, with only her head above the water, grimacing in pain.
  8. wince
    draw back, as with fear or pain
    Carefully, she touched her right toes to the lake bottom. She winced and Jonathan saw that she was biting her lower lip to keep from crying out.
  9. lope
    run easily
    Moose loped toward Mr. and Mrs. Palmer.
    “Moose!” Jonathan shouted. “Come back.”
  10. meander
    move or cause to move in a winding or curving course
    He pictured the car going along the narrow, winding road that meandered from the campground through the woods.
  11. stifling
    characterized by oppressive heat and humidity
    Jonathan noticed again how quiet it was. No magpies cawed, no leaves rustled overhead. The air was stifling, with no hint of breeze.
  12. lurch
    move suddenly or as if unable to control one's movements
    Another loud noise exploded as Jonathan lurched sideways.
    He dropped the leash.
  13. lunge
    make a thrusting forward movement
    Jonathan lunged forward, arms outstretched, trying to catch Abby before she hit the ground. He couldn’t get there fast enough.
  14. susceptible
    yielding readily to or capable of undergoing a process
    He knew that the San Andreas fault runs north and south for hundreds of miles in California, making that land particularly susceptible to earthquakes.
  15. whimper
    cry weakly or softly
    He struggled to his feet again. Ahead of him, Abby lay whimpering on the ground. Moose stood beside her, his head low.
Created on Mon Sep 22 20:32:51 EDT 2025 (updated Tue Nov 11 12:31:37 EST 2025)

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