CHAPTER 27 "All About Me"

Mrs. Mudford assigned family trees in May 1961. Harriet dislikes the assignment, correctly identifying Mrs. Mudford as nosy and “these trees are a poor attempt to feel like you're somebody based on somebody else”.

Harriet learns from Madeline that several of her classmates bring leftovers from Elizabeth's show, indicating that their mothers watch it. Harriet is surprised because she didn't think Elizabeth's seriousness and chemistry and cooking lessons would attract a large audience. Harriet encouraged Elizabeth to "play along" with the producers and sponsors by smiling more on the show. Elizabeth refused to "perpetuate the myth that women are incompetent." Elizabeth's only friend, Harriet, believes men and women are different and need coddling from each other. Elizabeth believes cultural norms limit women and elevate men.

Harriet assures Madeline that she knows enough about her father to fill in the family tree, revealing that Calvin had a godmother. Harriet found this while snooping around Calvin's house. He left the front door open one day, and Harriet looked around before closing it for him. She found a letter from the boys' home he was raised in, asking Calvin for a donation after losing a big donor. Harriet tells Madeline the godmother was a "fairy godmother" who donated money to the home. Despite her reservations, Harriet advises Madeline to keep the family tree assignment from Elizabeth. Harriet surrenders and takes Madeline to the library.