Chapter 26 and 27 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 26, Ellen's Sure-Fire Cures for the Things that Ail Ye, Ellen discusses being sick. Ellen has never been a doctor. In fact, she is excused from all her science classes in high school because she is a Christian Scientist. Therefore, she does not know much about the human body. When her stomach hurts, she thinks that she has a stomach cake instead of a stomach ache. Despite her lack of expertise, she does know of some cures for common illnesses.

Hiccups happen when the esophagus and the trachea get in a fight about who is better friends with the gallbladder. Hiccups can be cured by holding a kitten on your lap, petting it constantly and singing anything by Air Supply. Another tip is to hop for five minutes, scream as loudly as possible, "Hey Mr. Tally Man, tally...