The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

This was a delightful story about the love of family, nature, and life in general. I really enjoyed this story and the fun relationship between Grandfather and Granddaughter. Despite the name of the book evolution isn't use in it's typical argumentative state in this book. Rather it refers to the ever changing and evolving person we become as we grow and mature.

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.

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.

Calpurnia was a spunky girl in a time when spunky was not appreciated. We enjoyed the story but it seemed to be dummied up a bit. I assume it was written for young girls. If that is the case it was well done and inspiring to young girls who would take a path less traveled.

To young female friends most certainly.

I didn't read the print version but the audio version was wonderful.

It's just a great book, on the order of The Secret Life of Bees, or Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

I loved the scene where Grandfather has Calpurnia help him taste test his pecan whiskey.

I wanted to savor it and did not want it to end.

I loved this book. The relationship between an 11 year old girl and her grandfather was so sweet and endearing. For me, this book was magical. It reminded me that life is full of possibility and wonder if we have the courage to live our dreams.

It is the turn of the 20th century and 12-yr old Calpurinia Tate lives with her family on a somewhat prosperous farm in Texas. What follows is a year in the life of this curious girl, who has more interest in shadowing her botanist-loving grandfather than learning the duties of a proper young lady of that age (embroidery, knitting, cooking). This is a light-hearted read which is reminiscent of classic coming-of-age tales such as Little Women and An Old Fashioned Girl, but with an updated voice. I found this an appealing feel-good read and would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction.

The narrator was fine... I didn't care for the sound of her voice at first (seemed strained or like a free LibriVox recording) but I became accustomed to her about halfway through.

The development of an unusual interest in a pre-teen girl in an earlier age.

The formal recognition of the grandfather and granddaughter.

Growing up in south Texas.

an interplay between an adolescent girl, and her family at the turn of the 20th century.

Story left me cold, and story never went anywhere.

Well written, however.

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.

Where the Mountains Meet the Moon

Calpurnia

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

Not my favorite book, however, it's very mild with no language and no major drama so it's very peaceful. The science is interesting.