Split The Sky: Chapters 16–20

by Marie Arnold
Fifteen-year-old Lala Russell has inherited her grandmother's ability to see the future. After she has a vision of coming violence, she must choose between saving one young boy's life or changing her Texas sundown town forever.

Here are links to our lists for the book:
Chapters 1–5, Chapters 6–10, Chapters 11–15, Chapters 16–20, Chapters 21–25.
15 words 8 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
    Dad shakes his head, incredulous.
  2. stereotype
    a conventional or formulaic conception or image
    “A part of you is seeking us out because you have some stereotype swirling around in your head about Black men.”
  3. discernible
    perceptible by the senses or intellect
    There are no discernible signs or markings anywhere.
  4. blindside
    catch unawares, especially with harmful consequences
    So, apparently when Grandma said she’d take care of it, she meant she’d blindside Dad and tell him just moments before we got in the cab.
  5. tortuous
    not straightforward
    This season, since it’s under attack yet again, we decided to highlight the turbulent and tortuous road that led to the Voting Rights Act.
  6. tirade
    a speech of violent denunciation
    I know all about the new attempts to stop Black people from registering to vote because my dad has launched into more than a few tirades after watching the news.
  7. ubiquitous
    being present everywhere at once
    This place makes no apologies for its heavy heat and ubiquitous fog.
  8. uncanny
    surpassing the ordinary or normal
    Lala, as much blood as revolution demands, there is also an uncanny sense of pride and purpose. I want you to witness that firsthand.
  9. fervor
    the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
    They talk among themselves with excitement and fervor.
  10. palpable
    capable of being perceived
    The exhilaration and sense of duty is palpable.
  11. optimism
    the hopeful feeling that all is going to turn out well
    Their resilience and boundless optimism gives me chills.
  12. resolute
    firm in purpose or belief
    Their steps are purposeful and resolute.
  13. dumbfounded
    as if rendered speechless with astonishment and surprise
    I watch, dumbfounded, as the kids’ appearances change completely.
  14. placid
    calm and free from disturbance
    “I see you’ve opted to continue wearing your hair… like that,” she says in a polite, placid tone.
  15. oblivion
    total forgetfulness
    The desired effect I want right now is oblivion.
Created on 二月 26, 2026 (updated 四月 3, 2026)

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