The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

By: Jacqueline Kelly

Narrated by: Natalie Ross

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Children Ages 8-12, 2011
Newbery Honor Book, 2010

The summer of 1899 is HOT in Calpurnia Virginia Tate's sleepy Texas town, and there aren't a lot of good ways to stay cool. Her mother has a new wind machine from town, but Callie might just have to resort to stealthily cutting off her hair, one sneaky inch at a time. She also spends a lot time at the river with her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist. It turns out that every drop of river water is teeming with life - all you have to do is look through a microscope!

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.

©2009 Jacqueline Kelly (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Lovely Coming of Age Story

Set in turn of the century Texas, this sweet coming of age story is fun and informative. Calpurnia is the only daughter in her farm family, but she's not interested in learning how to cook or sew or be a lady. She's interested in science, and especially in Mr. Charles Darwin's new book on The Evolution of Species. She isn't allowed to check it out from the library, but then discovers her gruff old Grandfather who is always off in the woods and keeps to himself, not only has a copy of Mr. Darwin's book, but has exchanged letters with him! Calpurnia and her Grandfather traipse around the woods, observing and categorizing the many species of plants, animals and insects they encounter. As Calpurnia learns about the world around her using the scientific method, she also begins to learn about life and growing up and what her own dreams and expectations are.

The Evolution of Capurnia Tate

A nice story about the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather. I listened to this book because it was on my daughters summer reading list. Begining was a bit slow but looking back, I really enjoyed the story. and so did my daughter.

Interesting story

I was worried about listening to this book since it's quite long. However, we listened to it on our way to and from vacation.... even my husband enjoyed it!!!

Calpurnia Tate

I loved it. The relationship Calpunia has with her grandpa. I love it so much

Best Book Ever!!!

The book The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was so good! This is my third time listening to it but it never gets old. I think my favorite part is when Travis doesn’t want to eat the turkeys. It really makes you think that before girls could only be well pretty and smart and they would usually be wives, not engineers or scientists.

Great story to support children's discovery

Fun and adventurous, read. Calpurnia took you through her home and the country-side alongside her grandfather/mentor discovering, naming and catrgorizing the nature around her. The many species and science references and examples can be used in the classroom to groom budding scientist. Reading is easy to understand for the youngest reader and full of funny situations. Callie Vee's emotions are on display throughout about her family and the creatures in nature. Read excerpts from this book just before a nature walk and let the outdoor adventure begin with your students.

Science and Girls do mix!

This triumph for girls although slow, was an interesting read with a perspective on life that young girls should hear.

I Was There

Beautiful story of days gone by Callie took me along as she moved into the new century

A Great Book for Girls of all Ages

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I would recommend this book to anyone with a daughter. The story of Calpurnia and her relationship with her grandfather is central to to story. However, her place in her entire family can be very familar to readers. At times, Calpurnia is lost in the shuffle with three younger brothers and three older brothers, but it is her special relationship with her grandfather that profoundly shapes her life.

What other book might you compare The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate to and why?

Where the Mountains Meet the Moon

Which character – as performed by Natalie Ross – was your favorite?

Calpurnia

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and No. We did not want to rush through the story but stop and talk about it.

Amazing

I love this book so much! When ever I am frustrated about a piano piece or feel lonely I can turn it on realize that there are some problems in the world that are more important than not being able to press the right note on a piano piece.