The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Kelly, Jacqueline. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York, NY: Square Fish, 2009. ISBN 9780312659301

Summary:

Calpurnia Virginia Tate, or as she prefers to be called Callie Vee, is not your typical young girl growing up in hot, hot Texas the summer of 1899. First of all, Calpurnia is one of seven children and the only girl, and isn’t interested in the same things as most young girls her age. She would rather spend the adventures of her summer with a peculiar, cantankerous new best friend - her Granddaddy. Together Callie and her Granddaddy come to discover that they are both naturalists at heart, and they are on the brink of an important scientific discovery.

Analysis:

For her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly has certainly crafted a captivating, unpredictable novel. At first, I was reluctant to read this novel based on reviews from children I had encountered and am I glad that I didn’t listen well! I was initially drawn to this novel based on its intriguing cover with the yellow background and silhouette pictures. The connection of Calpurnia’s interests to those of my own daughter – science and nature – made me want to read more.

Immediately, Kelly sets the tone for this novel with her detailed and descriptive setting of the hot and sweltering summer in 1899 Texas. You almost find yourself wanting to cut your hair just to cool off! Throughout her novel, Kelly captures what it’s like to be a young girl, out numbered by her brothers (older and younger). Calpurnia is somewhat of a loaner who finds friendship in her grouchy and secluded Granddaddy. Jacqueline Kelly is brilliant with her character and plot development. The reader learns a lot of background about both Granddaddy and Callie before finally reaching the place where several photographs and careful care of a distinct plant become critical to the story.

Darwin and his theories of The Origin of Species become an important piece to this novel. They are critical to the plot for two reasons: 1) Darwin’s theories and research was highly important at this time and helps create setting, and 2) the discussion of Darwin provides backing and meaning to Callie and Granddaddy’s interests and discovery. Although the author does not push Darwin’s theories on the reader, a strong reader with skilled inference abilities will be able to conclude and learn more about his research. Each chapter opens with a quote from Darwin; however, these quotes and information about Darwin do not make the reader feel uncomfortable about his or her beliefs. It is not a book of propaganda.

Jacqueline Kelly has developed a novel that helps young readers realize that it’s important to accept who you are and to make sure you stay true to yourself. This is true of the two main characters – Callie and Granddaddy. This book speaks well to young girls who are interested in science and to boys who will find a deep connection with Granddaddy and his scientific inquiry and knowledge. This is definitely an unconventional historical fiction story, and one that was needed. Thank you Jacqueline Kelly for using your talents to craft this poignant novel!

Awards and Review Excerpts:

- 2010 Newbery Honor Book

- 2010 ALA Notable Children’s Book

- 2010 Texas Lone Star Reading List

- YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, 2010

- IRA Children’s Book Award, 2010

From Kirkus Reviews: “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for ‘Callie Vee.’”

From The Horn Book Review: “A memorable, warm, spirited young woman who’s refreshingly ahead of her time.”

From “Book Bench” Section of The New Yorker: “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. …Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today.

From The Washington Post: “In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of a new century. And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie… Readers will want to crank up the A.C. before cracking the cover, though. That first chapter packs a lot of summer heat.”

From New York Times Book Review: “Each chapter of this winning…novel opens with a quotation from 'On the Origin of Species'—a forbidden book that her own grandfather turns out to have hidden away. Together they study Darwin's masterpiece, leading to a revolution in Callie's ideas of what she might accomplish on her own.”

From Booklist: “Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.”

Connections:

Share the sequel to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly – The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate ISBN 9780805097443

Visit Jacqueline Kelly’s website - http://www.jacquelinekelly.com - There are several wonderful interviews that help provide the reader with insight concerning The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

Names appear very important in this novel. Originally, Calpurnia does not like her name until her Granddaddy shares some important and new information about Calpurnia’s name with her. Calpurnia’s brothers, besides Harry, are all named after famous Texans (Sam Houston, Lamar, Travis, Sul Ross, and Jim Bowie). Research these famous Texans to learn more. Learn more about the meaning of your name.

Locate Calpurnia’s hometown –Prairie Lea – between Austin and San Antonio. Locate Caldwell County and the San Marcos River. Research the summer of 1899 to find out more about the weather conditions.

Collect and share information regarding Darwin and his scientific research.

Darwin’s book The Origin of Species could have been considered “banned” at the time. Calpurnia is refused the book at the Lockhart Library. Speculate why this might have happened. Research and list currently banned books. Why does this happen?

Capturing the discovered plant on film becomes very important for Granddaddy and Callie. Document something on film. Research how photographs were taken in 1899.

Granddaddy loved classic music. Listen to and share some of his favorites, including: Mozart and Vivaldi

Calpurnia kept a detailed science notebook. Keep your own notebook of observations and scientific findings.

*image borrowed from www.barnesandnoble.com

Add this unconventional, must-read to your historical fiction diet! Cheers!

~ Mandy J