The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

By Jacqueline Kelly

63 ratings 78 reviews 93 followers
Book 1 of 2 in the  Calpurnia Tate Series
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 4 - 8Y5.380972

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.

Debut 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 is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. This title has Common Core connections.

Publisher: Square Fish
Published on 1/4/2011
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 352

Book Reviews (78)

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Great book. I love reading about how she discovered that science can be so exciting. So well written. I wish there were more books like this one.

In this book, you figure out figure the value of family relationships. This book is heartwarming, page turning, inspiring, and for all ages. Enjoy the evolution of calpurnia!

Shows how lucky we are to grow up in a world where girls are treated equally with boys and are not discriminated against. Callie was told that she could grow up following many pathetic rules that boys didn't have to follow, and, once grown, become only a handful of things. She was told to lie low, marry, and become a housewife. But Callie was strong enough to stand up for what she believed in, even if it came with a high price. That's what I admire in her.

This book sounds cool because the girl wants to learn new things just like me.

This book isn't too bad, or at least not as bad as I thought it would be. It is about a quiet interesting girl named Calpurnia Tate.

I actually really enjoyed the book. At first I judged the book by its cover but I really like it,

This is one of my most favorite books. A story of a girl trying to find her place in the world, but she meets many obstacles along the way. This book will make you laugh, cry, and think about life's little wonders.

This is a story of a girl named Calpurnia Tate, A.K.A Callie Vee, a normal girl in 1899, until her life is changed by science, She visits her grandfather's lab, which is made out of an old slave quarters, and he introduced her to science. She looks all around her world to study plants and animals, and asks important questions about life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, science, or both in this amazing story.

Calpurnia Virginia Tate loves science. She hopes when she grows up she can become a naturalist just like her Grandfather. But, because the year is 1899, girls aren't allowed to be scientists. Calpurnia is out to prove that girls can become scientists, too.

A good book. It is about a girl who wants to be a scientist, but since she lives in 1899, her mother finds this crazy.

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