The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

Throughout November, the Order is very active. All activities are masterminded by “thealphadog” and attributed to Alpha. Alpha is unhappy about pranks on administration, explaining that he “can’t afford to get in real trouble” (266). He says he won’t do “thealphadog’s” bidding anymore, and she calls his bluff. When Alpha starts to ask questions, Frankie ignores him. Alpha still doesn’t know the identity of “thealphadog,” and this frustrates him.

Sylvia Kargman, an alum and parent, is scheduled to speak to students. Her company donated the money for cafeteria renovations, and that’s why all the vending machines have food from Kargman’s company. Matthew explains that Kargman is the reason all the food is processed and why there are no fresh vegetables or fruit. So, Frankie invents the Society for Vegetable Awareness, Promotion, and Information Delegation (VAPID), and she emails Bassets their instructions for the Canned Beet Rebellion. Next, she communicates the VAPID’s demands for a fresh salad bar, entreating students to wear “VAPID” buttons and stickers in solidarity. 

After Kargman’s speech, she receives a button, too, and a caterer delivers a gigantic basset hound made of vegetables. The next day, Kargman donates the money for the salad bar. Frankie is thrilled, completely absorbed by her position as “the commander in chief of a squad of older boys, sending them on adventures that [shake] Alabaster to its foundations” (275).