Summary

Chapter 7 is titled “With a G.” Gertie thinks about her name starting with the same letter as genius, while Aunt Rae wants Gertie to get ready for church. On the way to church, they drive by Rachel’s house. At church, Gertie talks to Junior and Jean about the reading Gertie has been doing. Jean reminds Gertie that Gertie needs to actually be smarter that Mary Sue. When Gertie defends herself, Jean explains that Gertie is smart, but “not smart at school” (59). Gertie is shocked that Jean does not believe Gertie can beat Mary Sue, but reminds herself that she is doing this to impress Rachel.

Chapter 8, “That Superior Smoothness,” opens with Gertie dominating as she answers state capitals questions in class. Ms. Simms asks Gertie to take a paper to the principal’s office. Mrs. Warner, the school secretary, often gives students...