Historical Fiction

Cover art by Beth White

Image from www.HenryHoltKids.com 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE. Unabridged audio book. Read by Natalie Ross. Grand Haven, MI: Brilliance Audio. ISBN 9781441802439

PLOT SUMMARY

Jacqueline Kelly’s debut novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, tells the story of 11 year-old Calpurnia Virginia Tate and her summer of 1899 in the small town of Fentress, Texas. The only girl, stuck between three older brothers and three younger, Callie Vee (as she was known back then) spends her time observing and discovering the natural world around her, and going through the motions of learning how to play piano, cook, and knit, the skills her mother feels she needs to become a proper Texas lady. Her love of nature and wonderment at how it all works helps her develop a unique bond with her once-distant grandfather, Granddaddy, who is somewhat of an important naturalist in his own right. With the discovery of a possible new species of vetch, Callie gradually realizes that she really wants to grow up to be a scientist, despite what society expects of her.

In this short excerpt from the audio book, Callie Vee fails to acquire a copy of Darwin's On the Origin of Species from the Lockhart, TX library. Soon after, she tells her grandfather of her experience, and is pleasantly surprised when he presents her with his own personal copy. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

To the delight of listeners and enthusiasts of historical fiction, this well-written story, beautifully narrated by a talented actress, brings late 19th century Texas to life. Kelly’s Calpurnia is an authentic depiction of a typical 11-year-old girl, caught between the desires and emotions of a child, and the realities and expectations of becoming a young lady. Natalie Ross’s gentle voice brings Callie to life, with both innocence and maturity, in this wonderful first-person narrative. The rest of the characters are perfectly representative of the times, and Ross does a great job of distinguishing each. The relationships and interactions of the characters accurately depict life in 1899, complete with slavery, sexism, and the importance of social standing. Callie’s struggle to understand these turn-of-the-century social norms make for a compelling story of a young girl’s journey to self-discovery, and her desire to set and follow her own path.

Kelly creates a setting that transports the reader to a hot Texas small-town summer of many decades past, complete with real major events, inventions, and famous personalities sprinkled throughout.  She shows her own knowledge of science with such extensive descriptions as that of a moth’s life cycle, the habits of possums, and the taxonomy of plants and animals. The author also adds quite of bit of humor and wit in her depiction of the Tate clan, from Granddaddy's attempt to distill whiskey from pecans, to the Tate brothers’ rivalry over Callie's best friend's affections. All in all, this audio-book version does not disappoint. 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is recommended for ages 10 and up, and the print version is also available in Spanish.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.” (Kirkus starred review, Apr. 2009)

“Callie’s transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for an exciting and enjoyable read. Kelly’s rich images and setting, believable relationships and a touch of magic take this story far.”  (Publishers Weekly starred review, May 2009)

“Interwoven with the scientific theme are threads of daily life in a large family—the bonds with siblings, the conversations overheard, the unspoken understandings and misunderstandings—all told with wry humor and a sharp eye for details that bring the characters and the setting to life.” (Booklist starred review, May 2009)

“A charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century. --there’s no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly’s debut novel.” (School Library Journal starred review, May 2009)

“Ross makes a great Callie, full of 12 year old emotions: one minute grown-up, the next childlike. --despite a lack of Texas twang or character, listeners always know who is speaking as she reads with enthusiasm and appropriate emotion.” (Booklist, Mar. 2010)

“Natalie Ross’s sensitive, poetic narration reflects all the emotions experienced by Callie and the members of her family.” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2010)

• Newbery Honor Book (2010)
• Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Children's Book (2009)
• IRA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Award (2010)
• Chicago Public Library Best of the Best list (2010)
• Texas Lone Star Reading List (2010)
• BCCB Blue Ribbon Award (2009)
• Booklist’s Top 10 First Novels for Youth on Audio (2010)
• Audie Award for Children's for Ages 8-12 (2011)

CONNECTIONS

Preview the book with students with this book trailer.

From the publisher: Discussion Questions and downloadable Poster.

Use this book as a jumping off point to study the indigenous plants or animals of Texas.

Use this book to demonstrate the Scientific Method in action.

Encourage students to interview an older family member or an older family friend to see what life was like when they were around 11 or 12 years old.

Other historical fiction books about life in 19th Centrury Texas

--Founding father: the life and times of John Neely Bryan by Jimmy Clay.

--The legend of Bass Reeves : being the true and fictional account of the most valiant marshal in the West by Gary Paulsen.

Other historical fiction books for children

--Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber

--Katerina's Wish by Jeannie Mobley

--The Luck of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker

Other recent Newberry Medal and Honor Books

--When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2010)

--Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm (2011)

--One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (2011)

--Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (2012)

--Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai (2012)

Visit the Jacqueline Kelly's website. 

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