The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

As Calpurnia is enjoying keeping herself busy with science, her mother is not enjoying it so much and steps in to change things. In this novel, Calpurnia’s relationship with her mother is another thing you will be able to relate easily to. I think you will enjoy reading about a beautiful bond and friendship that forms between grandfather and granddaughter. A good chunk of her 1899 summer is spent with her Granddaddy collecting specimens and excitingly discovers a new species of plant! From thinking that her Granddaddy doesn’t even know her name to spending hours and hours taking walks and talking in the forest, Calpurnia grows to love him. She finds out that her Granddaddy loves science as well, and not only that, but her Granddaddy personally knows the great scientist Charles Darwin himself. She gets to know her Granddaddy a lot more after living with him, basically in silence, for the past 11 years. Calpurnia creates a strong bond with her Granddaddy, who helps her explore deeper in science. You’re regular naturalist in the making” (8). “You can use it to write down your scientific observations. Her scientific journey begins when her beloved brother Harry gives her a blank notebook for her observations and questions about science. However, Calpurnia has other plans when she finds her love and interest for science. Being the only daughter of seven children, her mother has high hopes for her becoming a fine young lady. In this novel, Calpurnia Tate, also known as Callie Vee, grows up during the very end of the 19th century in Fentress, Texas. Published in 2009 by Scholastic Inc., The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a funny, relatable, and captivating story that I think you will enjoy. Jacqueline Kelly has come out with a historical fiction book about an 11-year-old girl who discovers her passion for science.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly