u003cpu003eu003cbu003eIn this witty historical fiction middle grade novel set at the turn of the century, an 11-year-old girl explores the natural world, learns about science and animals, and grows up. A Newbery Honor Book.u003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cbu003eThe 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. u003ciu003eThe New Yorkeru003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003c/bu003eu003cbru003eCalpurnia 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. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAuthor Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003ciu003eThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tateu003c/iu003e by Jacqueline Kelly was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. This title has Common Core connections. This is perfect for young readers who like historical fiction, STEM topics, animal stories, and feminist middle grade novels.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cbu003eDon't miss the sequel!u003cbru003eu003c/bu003eThe Curious World of Calpurnia Tateu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cbu003eTo follow Calpurnia Tate on more adventures, read the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series:u003cbru003eu003c/bu003eu003ciu003eSkunked! u003cbru003eCounting Sheepu003cbru003eWho Gives a Hoot?u003cbru003eA Prickly Problemu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cbu003ePraise for u003ciu003eThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tateu003c/iu003e:u003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003ciu003eThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tateu003c/iu003e 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. u003ciu003eThe New Yorkeru003c/iu003e, "Book Bench" sectionu003cbru003eu003cbru003eIn 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. u003ciu003eThe Washington Postu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eEach 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, u003cbu003eleading to a revolution in Callie's ideas of what she might accomplish on her own.u003c/bu003e Nu003ciu003eew York Times Book Reviewu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eCallie's transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for u003cbu003ean exciting and enjoyable readu003c/bu003e. Kelly's rich images and setting, believable relationships and a touch of magic take this story far. u003ciu003ePublishers Weeklyu003c/iu003e, u003cbu003estarred reviewu003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eInterwoven with the scientific theme are threads of daily life in a large family--the bonds with siblings, the conversations overheard, the unspoken understandings and misunderstandings--all told with wry humor and a sharp eye for details that bring the characters and the setting to life. The eye-catching jacket art, 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 u003cbu003eengaging, satisfying first novelu003c/bu003e. u003ciu003eBooklistu003c/iu003e, u003cbu003eStarred Reviewu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003c/bu003eReaders will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become. u003ciu003eKirkus,u003c/iu003eu003cbu003e Starred Reviewu003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eA charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century. . . . there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel. u003ciu003eSchool Library Journal, u003c/iu003eu003cbu003eStarred Reviewu003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eNarrator Calpurnia's voice is fresh and convincing, and Granddaddy is that favorite relative most readers would love to claim as their own. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat. u003ciu003eThe Bulletinu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eKelly, without anachronism, has created a memorable, warm, spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time. u003ciu003eThe Horn Book Reviewu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eThat rare book that will appeal to child and adult alike. u003ciu003eAustin American-Statesmanu003c/iu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eIntroduces a turn-of-the-20th-century heroine for modern times. u003ciu003eShelf Awarenessu003c/iu003eu003c/pu003e
