The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

1. David and Goliath (proper nouns):

two biblical figures, a young boy and a giant, whose story has come to symbolize a contest between an underdog and a much stronger opponent

“The only thing I’ve learned from this crazy course of events is that no matter how much we try to believe David beat Goliath, the reality is that the big guy always wins.” (Prologue, Page 2)

2. abuela (noun):

the Spanish word for grandmother

“Year after year customers have begged Abuela to open the restaurant, but she never has.” (Chapter 1, Page 3)

3. La Cocina de la Isla (noun phrase):

a Spanish phrase that means “The Kitchen of the Island”

“For my entire life, La Cocina de la Isla has closed on Sundays.” (Chapter 1, Page 3)

4. Cuban War for Independence (proper noun):

a four-year revolt against Spanish colonial rule over the Caribbean island of Cuba that began in 1895; it ended with the liberation of Cuba in 1898

“Martí was a revolutionary hero in the Cuban War for Independence against Spain in the late 1800s.” (Chapter 4, Page 37) 

5. bid (noun):

a proposal submitted as part of a competition to win or purchase something, as in a bid at an auction

“I can’t believe there’s another bid for the lot next door!” (Chapter 5, Page 41)

6. forum (noun):

a public meeting that involves audience participation and discussion

“The city is going to hold a public forum.” (Chapter 5, Page 46)

7. floribunda (noun):

a bush-like plant belonging to the rose family

“I grabbed a pair of gloves from Abuela and got onto my hands and knees to help spread the dirt around the base of the floribunda bush.” (Chapter 6, Page 53)

8. Havana (proper noun):

the capital city of Cuba

“You are not from Havana!” (Chapter 9, Page 80)

9. Guantanamera (noun):

the Spanish word for a woman from Guantanamo, a city on the coast of Cuba; also, the title of a song featuring the poetry of José Martí

“Did you know that a poem by José Martí inspired a very famous song called ‘Guantanamera’?” (Chapter 10, Page 89)

10. lease (noun):

a contract between a property owner and someone who borrows the property that says how long the borrower can use it and how much the borrower will pay

“Did you know Wilfrido requested to take over our lease once it expires?” (Chapter 12, Page 105)

11. commissioner (noun):

an elected governmental official whose duties often involve overseeing local laws, taxation, and the budget of a city or district

“Commissioner Garcia is just the nicest man.” (Chapter 13, Page 118)

12. caterer (noun):

a paid professional who prepares and serves food at an event

“The caterer cancelled at the last minute, so Abuela stepped in and cooked dozens of dishes.” (Chapter 14, Page 128) 

13. activism (noun):

efforts made in support of or against a controversial issue

“‘And now for some good old-fashioned activism against Wilfrido Pipo,’ Vanessa said, motioning for her team of student leaders to pass out materials.” (Chapter 15, Page 134)

14. social justice (noun phrase)

fairness in how wealth and opportunities are distributed in society

15. Latin America (proper noun):

countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean where the citizens predominantly speak Spanish, Portuguese, and French

“He wrote hundreds of essays on social justice, about the equal treatment of women, about the importance of children to the future of society, and about the intellectual and social independence for the people of Latin America.” (Chapter 15, Page 141-142)

16. indifferent (adjective):

uncaring or uninterested

“‘We are free but not to be evil, not to be indifferent to human suffering,’ or something like that.” (Chapter 15, Page 142)

17. propaganda (noun):

ideas spread to promote one’s interests or to harm the interests of another

“And you have intruded and handed out propaganda when I explicitly told you not to.” (Chapter 16, Page 152) 

18. farm-to-table (noun):

a movement that encourages restaurants and other meal services to purchase ingredients directly from local farms

“She invented farm-to-table.” (Chapter 21, Page 189)

19. urn (noun):

a vase-like object used to contain the ashes of a cremated body

“The only part I really didn’t like was when my dad came home with Abuela’s urn.” (Chapter 21, Page 189)

20. sit-in (noun):

a form of protest that involves occupying a particular site and refusing to move

“I’m going to hold a sit-in tomorrow morning in front of the restaurant.” (Chapter 23, Page 199)

21. advocacy (noun):

actions or efforts in support of a cause

“These groups all live for good old-fashioned advocacy.” (Chapter 23, Page 200)