The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Kelly, Jacqueline.  2009.  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company.  ISBN 0805088415

Summary:

 Calpurnia Tate,  who dreams of becoming a scientist, fills her days observing nature.  She is fascinated by the animals, insects and plants that surround her.  Calpurnia is eleven years old and has a thirst for knowledge.  She along with her grandfather, set out on a journey to observe different species of insects and plants.  Calpurnia writes in a journal her observations, questions, and conclusions to each entry.  Her non-traditional role as child scientist, makes her, extraordinary.

Characters:

Calpurnia seems like a normal child that wants to explore the outdoors.  Trouble is, her time, is spent doing things she dislikes, such as embroidery.  Calpurnia wants to discover what nature has in store.  With the support of her grandfather, Calpurnia embarks on her journey to discover a new plant species, which she gets recognition.   The handwritten letter from the Smithsonian  gives a believable quality to the story.  Her journal observation in Calpurnia's handwriting also makes the reader identify with the overall theme.

Plot:

 Calpurnia is a remarkable child who is intelligent and wants to learn about science.  The story revolves around Calpurnia and her daily observances.  Children can comprehend the story because it is told by Calpurnia, herself.  She expresses her thought in a daily journal of events to experiment with her findings and conclusion.  Her tenacity for knowledge leads her to learn about the scientific method.   The relevance of the scientific method is prevalent today in many classes. 

Setting:

The setting is a small rural town of Fentress, Texas in 1899.  It is a desolate place with the nearest town over 40 miles away.   

Theme:

Calpurnia lives in a small town and has an enormous pressure to become a lady but all she thinks about is becoming a scientist.  Readers can appreciate a character like Calpurnia because she has thought outside the box and dreams of something more lucrative. Becoming a scientist, in 1899, is unheard of during the time period for a woman.

Style:

The story is an easy read and can be comprehended by the reader.  The  few French phrases that are carefully mention in the book seem displaced.  The French language is not common in Texas so I was surprised to see it written in the book.    

Additional Criteria:

The only criteria that would be relevant is that the author states she lives in Fentress, Texas part time.

From School Library Journal

"Twelve-year-old Calpurnia (the only girl of seven siblings) is interested in science rather than cooking and sewing.  She would rather spend her time exploring the river with her grandfather, a naturalist and a loner, who has given her a copy of The Origin of the Species."

Lawler, Terry Ann1. 2010. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." School Library Journal 56(4): 57.

From Booklist

"While practicing the hated piano and knitting lumpy socks for her brothers, Callie ponders her dreams and future."

Hartshorn, Laurie. 2010. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Booklist 106(13): 86.

 From Kirkus Reviews

"While other girls her age are encouraged to sew and cook, Callie Vee discovers a love for examining insects, an interest that is fostered by her grandfather, a nature-loving recluse who revels in examining plants and fermenting pecans for whiskey."

2009. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Kirkus Reviews 77(22): 10.

From Library Media Connection

"In the summer of 1899, Calpurnia sets off to discover life in the woods behind her house.  To assist her, Callie refers to a book by Charles Darwin given to her by her grandfather."

Glantz, Shelley. 2009. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Library Media Connection 28(2): 72.

From Publishers Weekly

"Together they dream up experiments and seek answers to backyard phenomena, discovering something new about the invisible world each day."

2009. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Publishers Weekly 256(18): 51.

From Horn Book Magazine 

"Calpurnia’s perseverance and confidence gained working side-by-side with her grandfather are evidence that she’s more than capable of meeting her goals."

 

GERSHOWITZ, ELISSA. 2009. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate." Horn Book Magazine 85(5): 565-566.

Awards

2010 Newberry Honor Book

ALA Notable Books

ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Notable Children's Books

 

Connections

Other Jacqueline Kelly books

Return to the Willows ISBN 080509413X

Activities for Children

Children can be asked to create an journal to observe nature.

Personal Response

I believe the book has an inspiring story that children can look at and say, wow.  Calpurnia's dream of becoming a scientists, shows true motivation to learn what you love to do.  I believe the lesson children can learn is to follow your dreams.