Historical Fiction: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jaqueline. 2011. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE. New York, NY: Square Fish. ISBN 0312659301

PLOT SUMMARY

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jaqueline Kelly, is a novel about 11-year-old Texas girl who yearns to be a scientist instead of settling down to learn domestic arts. Callie’s mother pushes her towards learning skills that she would need to be the best wife she can be. Callie’s grandfather, on the other hand, pushes her towards the science and innovation that is taking hold at the turn of the century. Throughout the summer, Callie and her Grandfather visit the San Marcos river and he teaches her the importance of the scientific method and recording her data and observations. One day, Callie and her grandfather find a new species of vetch and send it off the Smithsonian for identifying. While they wait, Callie is coerced by her mother to start learning domestic skills. She complies with her mother but dreams of a different future. When the Smithsonian sends back their findings and confirm that she and her Grandfather discovered a new species she finally confirms her goal of being a scientist and going to college.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is told through Calpurnia’s perspective which lets you really become part of Calpurnia’s “evolution”. Callie Vee or Callie spends much of the book battling against her mother who wants her to abandon her scientific research to learn how to become an obedient wife and mother.

Science and invention is the main focal point of the story. Calpurnia’s evolution mirrors the evolution that she and her grandfather study in nature. The use of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species is tightly woven throughout the story. Calpurnia evolves throughout the story from a child to a budding scientist. Science continues to be a main theme in the story when Callie and her grandfather find a new species and send it to the Smithsonian to get it tested. History is also woven through the story as well. While Callie’s grandfather pushes her towards science, her mother pushes her to her “duty” of a mother and wife. Callie does not believe she is meant to do just that and continues to study science with her grandfather. This is what was expected of women in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The entire story comes full circle when the Smithsonian confirms their new species and Calpurnia gains admiration of her family. Students will be rooting for Callie when she finally confesses to her family and readers that she desires to go to college.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “By the end, she is equally aware of her growing desire to become a scientist and of societal expectations that make her dream seem nearly impossible. 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. The eye-catching jacket art, which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: ““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.”

KIRKUS: “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.”

THE HORN BOOK: “Kelly, without anachronism, has created a memorable, warm, spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time.”

CONNECTIONS

*Newberry Honor Book

*Students may be interested in scientific discussion after reading this book, particularly science and innovation at the turn of the century.

*This book could be used in a science unit to teach the Scientific Method and foster a genuine interest in science.

*Look for the follow up to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate:

Kelly, Jaqueline. THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE. ISBN 0805097449