When Pearl Washington must complete her family tree assignment for school, she is forced to face the pain of having a fatherless childhood. She feels ashamed and alienated, because unlike the other children in her class, half of her family tree is completely empty. Pearl’s father has never taken part in her life, because he has another family, two sons and a wife. Unlike her other classmates, whose lives at face value can sometimes represent the ideal childhood, with pets, large houses, siblings, and both parents—Pearl must learn to be independent and alone.