Scan barcode
shorty_320's review
4.0
Cute story. Totally fell in love with Callie Vee and her eccentric grandfather!
gmamartha's review
4.0
This is the first in a long time where I have laughed out loud!! The historical setting and culture vs the family's personalities make it a great tale of the evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Truly.
timna_wyckoff's review
5.0
Just saw this on Amazon (people who searched for X also liked Y!)....the customer reviews are all really good. About a little girl in 1899 whose grandfather teaches her about Darwin.
This was SO GREAT. The kids loved it, we loved it, it was great for reading aloud, the characters were voiced really well, and the story was strong, but not "beat you over the head" with the message that girls didn't have as many options back in 1899, but that that doesn't mean they didn't enjoy science (specifically to this book) or have dreams of being different from the majority of their peers. I agree with other reviews that Calpurnia's spunkiness is understated and more believable than in some other books in this genre.
This was SO GREAT. The kids loved it, we loved it, it was great for reading aloud, the characters were voiced really well, and the story was strong, but not "beat you over the head" with the message that girls didn't have as many options back in 1899, but that that doesn't mean they didn't enjoy science (specifically to this book) or have dreams of being different from the majority of their peers. I agree with other reviews that Calpurnia's spunkiness is understated and more believable than in some other books in this genre.
shareen17's review
4.0
I listened to this on tape on a recent road trip. It's the sort of book I WISH my kids would like. Besides the smart heroine who's crazy about science, it is similar to the Little House books in the way it teaches about life in a different time. My kids were not interested, but I liked it.
alidottie's review
5.0
My rating shows how much I loved this book. Calpurnia Virginia Tate--known as Callie Vee--is a delight. It is one short half year or so in this 12 year old sister to 6 brothers' life. She lives in the center of Texas in a town outside of Austin, so it was not hard for me to relate to the HOT summers and mild winters. I loved Calpurnia's curiosity about the natural world around her, but I especially loved her relationship with her businessman turned scientist grandfather. They have a beautiful bond that is sweet to see that Grandfather chose to mentor his only granddaughter over the 6 boys because he saw her as a person--a person very interested in all the things that interested him--rather than a girl (which could create many limitations in 1899).
I almost wish there would be a sequel about Calpurnia as an adult, but I think I can see that pretty vividly on my own!
I almost forgot to say that this is the kind of book that is written for children, but I almost think that although an older child may like it fine, it is almost more interesting for an adult. Adults who never read juvenile fiction are missing out on some excellent literature!!
I almost wish there would be a sequel about Calpurnia as an adult, but I think I can see that pretty vividly on my own!
I almost forgot to say that this is the kind of book that is written for children, but I almost think that although an older child may like it fine, it is almost more interesting for an adult. Adults who never read juvenile fiction are missing out on some excellent literature!!
roseleaf24's review
4.0
Calpurnia Virginia Tate is 11 in 1899, growing up on a pecan/cotton farm in central Texas. As her father owns the gin, her family is better off than most, but as the only girl in the middle of six brothers, Callie Vee doesn't feel it. Her grandfather shares her love of science, though, and encourages her in her pursuits, much to her mother's chagrin. I really enjoyed this story. The voice was unique and strong, and the view of this post-Civil War Texas, where it is clear how southern Texas is, was a new and fascinating one for me. The science filled the pages well, with clear and engaging descriptions. I also liked the note of Hope and promise that the book ended on, amidst the assurances that Calpurnia would be surrendered to the domestic pursuits expected of her.
stephxsu's review
5.0
Ever reread your beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder boxed set, then wonder where to go from there? Look no further than Jacqueline Kelly’s stunning debut novel, THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE, which will be sure to win the hearts of any reader, whatever their age may be. In turn rip-roaringly funny and poignant, Callie Vee’s story of her struggles and triumph over her oppressors will be sure to stay with you for many weeks.
Calpurnia narrates from an almost distant time, as if she were an older woman reflecting on her preteen days. While I’m not sure if this is intentional or not, the effect is that Calpurnia’s story will more easily attract older readers—if they aren’t already charmed by Callie Vee’s refreshingly innocent yet determined demeanor. She is the kind of middle-grade protagonist that can charm the pants off of everyone, an ahead-of-her-times young girl without the preaching or drama.
Not to be outdone, Jacqueline Kelly’s writing is just as impressive and genuine. She unwinds the characters’ stories with all the skill, ingenuity, and humor of a far more established character writer. We readers are left chuckling at the Tate family’s escapades and sighing with happiness when things go right.
THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE is definitely a 2009 debut that should not be missed. This is a book that will go far; I can only hope that my review will be just one more tiny little paddle pushing it in your, and the award givers’, direction.
Calpurnia narrates from an almost distant time, as if she were an older woman reflecting on her preteen days. While I’m not sure if this is intentional or not, the effect is that Calpurnia’s story will more easily attract older readers—if they aren’t already charmed by Callie Vee’s refreshingly innocent yet determined demeanor. She is the kind of middle-grade protagonist that can charm the pants off of everyone, an ahead-of-her-times young girl without the preaching or drama.
Not to be outdone, Jacqueline Kelly’s writing is just as impressive and genuine. She unwinds the characters’ stories with all the skill, ingenuity, and humor of a far more established character writer. We readers are left chuckling at the Tate family’s escapades and sighing with happiness when things go right.
THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE is definitely a 2009 debut that should not be missed. This is a book that will go far; I can only hope that my review will be just one more tiny little paddle pushing it in your, and the award givers’, direction.
sallyavena's review
4.0
An interesting book that Sophia picked up but couldn't get in to, so I read it instead. It might be a little above her 7 year old mind. I thought it would be a good book about a girl interested in something other than traditional girly stuff and it was. Calpurnia becomes a self made naturalist with the help of her grandfather and Charles Darwin. It has a lot of good references to great lititure throughout the book as well. Overall I really enjoyed the book and the character developement, but like I said it deals with a lot of older (nothing bad--just not something a 7 year old would get) things and without catching them, I can see how the story would seem kind of boring (ie. the eccentric grandfather is trying to make whiskey/brandy (don't know my alcohol very well) from pecans and that comes up in the story a lot as she spends time with him). I think the 12 year old girl crowd would like this story though.
coleycole's review
4.0
Pluck + Moxie x The Scientific Method = The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Awesome.
alice_wonders's review
5.0
Judging a book by its cover, this one caught my eye, sitting on the shelf with all the other teen vampire novels. Its on the Texas Lone Star reading list & is about a young girl growing up in a small town outside of Austin in 1899. Her interest in nature combined with spending time with her eccentric grandfather, sets her on a self-discovery journey.