The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a funny, well-written, but familiar, story of a girl trapped by time and circumstance. Calpurnia is the only girl in a well-to-do Texas family in 1899. Her 6 brothers sometimes annoy her. Her mother wants her to be a lady. But all Callie wants is to learn about science and the natural world. She finds an ally in her grandfather, but is this enough to save her from a life of ill-fitting decorum? Readers will laugh at the antics of Callie’s family but will feel her despair at being trapped in a traditional role for which she is ill-suited. This book will appeal to ages 11-14.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate transports the reader into the familiar story of an “almost twelve-year-old” girl beginning to question the world and trying to establish her own identity. The summer of 1899 is a hot one in Texas. Calpurnia’s family escapes the heat by resting in the afternoon. But Callie uses the opportunity to run off to the river to swim and to spend time observing nature. Callie is curious about the natural world, but her mother is determined to make her into a young lady. When she braves a question to her aloof grandfather, he encourages Callie to seek out the revolutionary thoughts of Charles Darwin. And Callie finds she has an ally and a companion for exploring nature in the old gentleman.

Entertwined in Callie’s quest for knowledge is the story of her grandfather’s quest to make whiskey from pecans, her oldest brother’s quest to meet a suitable young woman, the crushes of her brothers on her best friend, and her younger brother’s affinity with animals. These incidents are funny and heart-warming and give a more complete picture of Callie’s life.

Kelly creates a setting that radiates the heat of a Texas summer and conveys the warmth of a loving family that isn’t sure what to do with a girl who would rather catch insects than embroider.

This is a well-written story that will attract readers who like spunky girl characters. The reader is left wondering if Callie will ever realize her dreams, which is a perfect setup for a sequel or a classroom discussion.

Jean Hatfield has experience as a children’s librarian, a school librarian, and a head librarian. She has served on the selection committee for major children’s book awards and is presently responsible for the selection of public library materials for youth – children and young adults - for the public library system in the largest city in Kansas, Wichita.