June 3, 2009

The Evolution of Capurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly


Lately, I seem to always write about historical fiction with a girl as the main character. But there are plenty of guys in this book, including a rascal of a grandpa. Hanging out with old folks may not be your idea of fun. It all depends on who it is, right? Calpurnia Tate, 11 years old in 1899, discovers three important things: her granddad is NOT a mean guy; learning how to observe nature as a scientist is really fun, and being forced to learn housekeeping is NOT.  It's the era when Charles Darwin's theories of evolution are making news, automobiles make their first appearance in town, and it's the mating season for Cali's older brothers. Natural science is all over the place!  I predict that this novel will win Newbery honors, and that when you read how the author, Jacqueline Kelly, weaves all these ideas together, you will also love The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

Reed Reads Score: 5

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