Vocabulary
Look ahead with this prefix meaning "before," used when watching a movie trailer, forecasting future events, or warming an oven in advance.
pre - as in the word preview.
Volcanic explosions, sudden tears in tissue, and speaking out of turn all share this root meaning "to break or burst."
rupt - as in the word erupt.
Trapped by Tony D. and his gang after the fireworks, Freak steers Max directly into this body of water to escape.
What is the millpond?
Lou is a mystery creature made entirely of lost items found inside this playground container.
Lost and Found box
Freak guides Max east on a secret mission using an "Official Cub Scout" version of this navigational tool, which he claims once belonged to Sir Lancelot.
What is a compass?
Add this prefix meaning "with," "together," or "thoroughly" to join two items, gather a crowd in one place, or link distinct ideas.
con - as in the word connect.
Keep your eyes open for this root meaning "to see or look," used when examining an item closely, viewing a viewpoint, or identifying a focal suspect.
spec - as in the word spectate.
While stuck up to their knees in mud, Freak alerts the passing police by using this loud, ear-piercing action.
What is whistling with his fingers?
J.J. was taking toys from other kids because someone had previously taken this special item from him.
stuffed animal (plush toy)
Freak leads Max to a wing behind the local hospital that has these two words displayed over the entrance.
What is "Medical Research"?
Meaning "to remember or mind," this root helps you recall past events, write a short office note, or honor a hero's legacy.
mem - as in the word memory
Meaning "bad" or "wrong," this prefix describes poor health from inadequate food, a machine failing to run, or harmful intent.
mal - as in the word malnourish
When police pull the boys out of the pond with ropes and ask for their names, Freak proudly announces this combined identity for the very first time.
What is Freak the Mighty?
Freak carries this item everywhere in his knapsack, frequently forcing Max to look up new vocabulary words in it.
WHaty is a dictionary?
Swearing Max to secrecy, Freak reveals he goes to the medical building for tests to prepare him to become the first recipient of this futuristic body upgrade.
What is a bionic body (or bionic transplant)?
Meaning "to give," this root is used when handing out supplies to a crowd, donating to a cause, or paying honor to someone.
trib - as in the word tribute.
Meaning "to send or let go," this root appears when you launch a defense projectile, send a team on a task, or let a class leave.
mis / mit - as in the word missle.
Officers on the scene threw this item to Max to haul him and Freak out of the deep, suctioning mud.
What is a rope?
Freak captivates Max with legendary tales of this medieval king, his famous Round Table, and his questing knights.
Who is King Arthur?
When Max asks if the upcoming bionic transplant surgery will hurt, Freak dismisses his concern with this six-word phrase.
What is "Pain is just a state of mind"?
Bouncing a light ray off a surface, turning away an incoming attack, or changing pitch in speech all rely on this root meaning "to bend."
flect - as in the word reflect.
Derived from Latin meaning "to know," this root is found in terms for identifying a familiar face or describing mental brain processes.
cogn - as in the word cognition.
This is the feared, weapon-inspired nickname of Tony D., the teenage gang leader who chased the boys into the millpond.
What is "Blade"?
When Max claims he has a "dinosaur brain," Freak points out that dinosaurs ruled the Earth despite having a brain the size of this tiny food item.
What is a peanut?
Before revealing his medical secret outside the research building, Freak requires Max to put his hand over his heart and swear to keep this sacred pledge.
What is an oath (or oath of secrecy)?