Vocabulary
Insult
to do or say something that is offensive to someone
This is a Russian immigrant teenager who wants to fit in at her new American school.
Who is Anya?
This is the powerful ability Emily demonstrates after Anya confronts her with the truth about her past
What is Emily's ability to manipulate or move physical objects?
Anya spends much of the story trying to be someone she's not. The book teaches that it is important to be this.
What is yourself?
Terrified
being extremely afraid
This is Anya's best friend. This character is outspoken, loyal to Anya, and has a unique style that makes them look a bit like a boy
Who is Siobhan?
This small character reveals an important detail that helps Anya find Emily's hidden bone and stop the ghost.
Who is Sasha?
At the beginning of the story, Anya is ashamed of her family and this cultural background
What is her Russian heritage/culture?
Rude
not showing concern for the rights or feelings of other people
This is Anya's younger brother. This character likes to bury treasure in the yard and is terrified of Emily
Who is Sasha?
The event that stops Anya from returning Emily's bone to the well after finding out the truth about Emily
What is Emily hiding the bone or Emily threatening Anya's family?
Emily's actions, and Anya's reaction to them, teach the importance of having friends who are not this.
What is controlling?
Afford
to be able to pay for something
This is another Russian student at Anya's school. Anya initially avoids this character, but they later help her solve a mystery about Emily
Who is Dima?
Emily claims her family was murdered and she fell into the well escaping the killer. This was her actual cause of death, according to Anya's later investigation
What is Emily died by falling down the well after setting a house on fire?
By the end of the story, Anya's attitude towards her full name, Annushka Borzakovskaya, changes and finally accepts her identity
What is self-acceptance?
Haunted
lived in or visited by ghosts
This is a girl who lets her boyfriend cheat on her because she cares about being popular and how people see her.
Who is Elizabeth (Liz)?
Anya initially believes Emily was murdered. This character's research into Emily's past reveals a different, darker truth.
Who is Dima?
The relationship between Anya and Emily highlights the difference between being popular or fitting in and having this