The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

In 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.

"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." --The New Yorker

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.

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 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.

Don't miss the sequel!
The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate

To follow Calpurnia Tate on more adventures, read the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series:
Skunked!
Counting Sheep
Who Gives a Hoot?
A Prickly Problem

Author: Jacqueline Kelly
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 05/12/2009
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.70w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780805088410
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 12
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 130075 / Evolution of Calpurnia Tate


Award: West Virginia Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Indies Choice Book Awards - Honor Book
Award: Children's Book Committee Award - Winner
Award: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Texas Lone Star Reading List - Commended
Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Massachusetts Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: William Allen White Childens Book Award - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Iowa Children's Choice (ICCA) Award - Nominee
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Newbery Medal - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Voice of Youth Advocates 04/01/2009 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Kirkus Review - Children 04/01/2009
Publishers Weekly 05/04/2009 pg. 51
School Library Journal 05/01/2009 pg. 110
Booklist 05/01/2009 pg. 80
New York Times Book Review 06/14/2009 pg. 13
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2009
Scientific American 09/01/2009 pg. 102
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2009 pg. 565
Publishers Weekly Best Books 11/02/2009 pg. 31
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2009 pg. 33
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2010 pg. 12
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/01/2010 pg. 14
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/01/2010 pg. 26
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2010 - Superior,Well Above Average
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001
BookPage 05/01/2009

About the Author
Jacqueline Kelly won the Newbery Honor for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, her first book. She was born in New Zealand and raised in Canada, in the dense rainforests of Vancouver Island. Her family then moved to El Paso, Texas, and Kelly attended college in El Paso, then went on to medical school in Galveston. After practicing medicine for many years, she went to law school at the University of Texas, and after several years of law practice, realized she wanted to write fiction. Her first story was published in the Mississippi Review in 2001. She now makes her home with her husband and various cats and dogs in Austin and Fentress, Texas.