by Jacqueline Kelly
Henry Holt & Co, 2009. 340 pgs
Reading Level: ages 9-12
Hardcover: $16.99
Annotation: Calpurnia and her grandfather begin a scientific journey to discover a new species and end up building a lasting friendship.
Summary: Calpurnia Virginia Tate, known as Cally V to family and friends, is unconcerned with the normal feminine pursuits of her time. Growing up on a Texas cotton farm at the turn of the century means she should be baking pies, knitting and tatting, practicing the piano and generally learning how to comport herself as a young lady. But the great wide, outdoor world holds more wonder for Calpurnia than the promise of a "coming out" and so when brother Harry gives her a notebook to record her many observations, thus begins her career as a naturalist. Calpurnia's grandfather is scientist himself, always puttering about his laboratory at the back of the house and collecting specimens down by the river. When Calpurnia shyly reveals her interest in the great Darwin, a surprised Colonel Tate begins to take notice of his only granddaughter and the two begin practicing science together. They spend long, magical hours of exciting exploration, trying to create a recipe for distilled pecans, nurturing a caterpiller into a beautiful butterfly (which regretfully turns out to be a mammoth moth) and hoping that they really have discovered a new species of vetch. While the two naturalists patiently wait to hear back from the experts in Washington, Calpurnia and her six brothers romp and sweat in the magnificent Texas heat, experiencing all the glories and trials that a large family on the edge of the frontier were wont to have.
Evaluation: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is one of those rare treats that warms your heart and gladdens your soul. With prodigious research that creates a well-fleshed novel, Kelly explores the precocious character of Calpurnia Tate. Calpurnia is eminently lovable and your fondness for her will grow like the weeds she and grandfather are always documenting. Kelly nails the dialect and Calpurnia's voice is true. You'll delight in her first taste of coca-cola, her 3rd place ribbon at the town fair and each entry in her scientific journal. Excerpts from Darwin's Origin of Species grace the beginning of each chapter, encapsulating the events to come. Every encounter with her brothers, best friend Lula, her mother or Viola the cook add vibrant color and another enjoyable moment in Calpurnia's rich and varied Texas life. But it is the growing relationship between grandfather and granddaughter which tops off this solid read with a sweetness that mimics the apple pies Calpurnia is learning to bake. Deeply satisfying, Kelly's novel is a downright charmer and you'll want to rush out and buy your own copy. Highly recommended, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is destined for the classics list.
Significance: Ever the budding feminist, Calpurnia proves that girls can do more than just pursue housewifery skills, they can actually become scientists.
Personal Choice: A good friend, whose reading tastes I trust and admire, highly recommended the book and I'll be forever grateful.
Awards: Newbery Honor, 2010 / IRA Children's Book Award / IRA Teachers' Choices / CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best / Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Choice Award Master List / North Carolina Young Adult Book Award / Texas Lone Star Reading List / TN YA Volunteer State Book Award ML / Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List
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