The Nickel Boys

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. apprised (past participle):

informed or told

“He kept the others apprised on the petition for another investigation and how the statement of apology from the government was coming along.” (Prologue, Page 6)

2. threadbare (adjective):

thin and tattered (of fabric)

“‘I’ll get in free every day for a month, easy,’ he told his grandmother, lying on the front room rug and tracing a threadbare patch with his thumb.” (Chapter 1, Page 12)

3. meticulous (adjective):

showing great attention to detail

“He was meticulous about his black serving uniform, and maintained that he was always the best-dressed man in the dining room, putting the white patrons to shame.” (Chapter 1, Page 15)

4. slink (verb):

move smoothly and quietly

“‘Jim Crow ain’t going to just slink off,’ she said.” (Chapter 2, Page 18)

5. genteel (adjective):

refined or respectable, often in a showy manner

“He didn’t need an employee, but his wife liked telling people that he had an employee, and he imagined it made the store more approachable to a genteel segment of black Frenchtown.