The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

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Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN-13 9780805088410

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Fentress, Texas in 1899. This is a story about an eleven year-old girl, named Calpurnia Virginia and her resistance to become what society expects of young ladies during this time in history. Being the only girl of seven children makes this even more difficult for her. 

The characters are believable and many young females can relate to Calpurnia and the expectations of what others want her to do with her life. Calpurnia's grandfather, Captain Walter Tate is another believable character. Many young people can relate to having a grandparent who is similar to Walter.  The plot is realistic to the time period and it is presented accurately. The plot also presents the history accurately and is not too overwhelming. 

The setting is vividly described and is an integral part to the story. The time period of 1899-1900 and living in a small town in Texas are explicit. The universal theme of coming-of-age reflects the time of the turn of the twentieth century, but also reflects the time of today. The style captures the flavor and speech patterns of the era. The author's voice and manner are reflected and all the literary elements are woven together to create a beautiful, well-written story. Kelly acknowledges several people at the end of the book, but no sources are cited for authenticity and further reading. 

Calpurnia continues to resist what society and especially what her mother wants her to become when she tells her "It means that a girl from a good family has become a young lady and is ready to be introduced into Society". The story takes place during a time that is very much different than today, especially for young women. Young women were expected to "step-out" and hope to find their future husband. The woman was then expected to stay home and raise the children. This is not the life for Calpurnia. She loves nature, insects and the worst of all, science. She enjoys spending time with her grandfather who teaches her many things about life. This is a very enjoyable story for children and adults about "going against the grain". 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was a Newbery Medal Award nominee in 2010. Other awards and nominations include: Children's Book Committee Award-winner, Texas Lone Star Reading List-commended, Beehive Awards-nominee, and many more.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy: Cornelia and the Audacious Escapes of the Somerset Sisters, Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered, and The Sisters Brothers.

School Library Journal
"The book ends with uncertainty over Callie's future, but there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel."

Booklist
"The eye-catching jacket which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel."

Further activities for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/ncslmayabookaward/middle-school/interesting-links-2010-2011

http://evolutionofcalpuniatate.wordpress.com/activities/

http://www.lessonindex.com/The_Evolution_of_Calpurnia_Tate_by_Jacqueline_Kelly.htm