The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate

Author:

Jacqueline Kelly

Illustrator:

Published by:

Square Fish

First Published:

12 May 2009

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

This gorgeous historical fiction novel reads like a classic but is so fresh and witty - Calpurnia is a wonderful heroine; bright, vivacious, and utterly unenchanted with the idea of towing the family line and conforming to the expectation that she will do nothing but prepare herself for a life of marriage, child-bearing, and household drudgery. Thankfully, her cantankerous and contrary Grandfather sees her potential as a scientist and fellow naturalist and quietly determines that he will be her teacher, her advocate and her escape. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, so does Calpurnia's hunger for knowledge and desire to pursue a different future to the one mapped out for her. Full of subtle humour and joy ready to burst out, this is a gem of a book - one not to be missed for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and L.M. Montgomery.

Heads Up!

The author has chosen to use the term 'Negro' in three places to accurately reflect terminology used at the turn of the century - I'd suggest you discuss this with a child reading the book so that they understand the historical context of the story, and the associations of the word with the prevalent attitude of white Americans in the late 1890s towards African-American workers as inferior.

Jacqueline Kelly went on to write a sequel, 'The Curious World Of Calpurnia Tate', as well as a six book series for younger readers also featuring the characters introduced in this first novel, the first of which is titles 'Skunked'.

Publisher Review

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. Author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. This title has Common Core connections. This is perfect for young readers who like historical fiction, STEM topics, animal stories, and feminist middle grade novels.