Polly Oliver's Problem

"Polly Oliver's Problem" has been thought to have been inspired by Kate's own life. Like Polly, Kate's mother ran a boarding house, and like Polly, Kate was a storyteller and teacher. When her mother's health takes a turn for the worse, the family doctor prescribes a change of climate. Polly must assume the responsibility for her mother's care and relocate the family to San Francisco, while trying to fulfill her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher.