The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (by Jacqueline Kelly)
common sense media says
Newbery Honor-ed story of a smart southern tomboy in 1899.
parents & educators say
- 33% say there are positive role models
- 33% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that since this Newbery Honor book is set in 1899, readers will learn a great deal about the period, including the limitations placed upon an intelligent girl. They'll find it easy to root for -- and relate to -- Callie, who attempts to do the thing she loves despite what society -- and her mother -- think is proper. This is a wonderful book about coming of age in a fascinating time, and that's what will leave an impression on tween and teen readers.
Educational value:
This story of the South in 1899 includes plenty of historical details. Readers will learn a great deal about the period, including the limitations of an intelligent girl during the period. Each chapter begins with a quote from Darwin's The Origin of the Species, and readers will pick up some science lessons along with Callie.
Positive role models:
Readers will find it easy to relate to Callie, a smart girl who attempts to do the thing she loves despite what society -- and her mother -- think is proper. She recognizes the injustice and points it out.
Violence:
Brief report of a "quadroon" servant who tried to pass as white and was pitchforked to death; description of a deadly Civil War battle.
Sex:
Reference to animals on the farm mating; Calpurnia's 17-year-old brother courts a young woman; three of her younger brothers "fall in love" with her best friend, but it's all very innocent.
Language:
Calpurnia's grandfather says "hell" and "damn" once or twice.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
All references are used in service of setting the scenes and are not gratuitous. Calpurnia's grandfather drinks whiskey and port daily, but he's not portrayed as drunken. He also smokes cigars. He offers Calpurnia whiskey on two occasions; she tries it and dislikes it. Brief mention of other adults drinking port and other alcohol at a celebration. Calpurnia's mother often takes a "tonic" for headaches that's later revealed to contain 20 percent alcohol.
More on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Review It
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
- 33% say there are positive role models
- 33% say there are positive messages
- 33% say it's educational
Most useful reviews by all members
New England Mom
parent of 9 and 11 year old
parent of 9 and 11 year old
Delightful historical fiction
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it delightful the way Callie was getting to know her Grandaddy. The science he exposed her to was cleverly injected. The description of Texas life in 1899 was facinating, thoughtful. I loved it and am trying to get my daughter to read it.
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dragonsrule
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
A fun read for girls.
This was great, but the author 'authenticates' it by using the words 'Quadroon' and 'Octaroon' which I don't think kids in the modern world will world will know and shouldn't go around using as they are impolite (besides if they don't know the meaning, they shouldn't use a word anyways!). Also people who aren't doctors might find the grandpa describing the battlefield a little gross. But, overall this was really fun and educational. The girl (Calpurnia) is a little like Darwin. She goes around collecting things, and trying to figure out what they mean with her grandpa, which really displeases her mom. Calpurnia is a very strong character whom we can learn a lot from. even though she is not like most young woman at the time, she does do some of the 'proper' things for a young lady - on her mother's insistence. The relation between Calpurnia and her grandpa is great, but there is not much of a relationship between any other characters. I believe this is fine for kids 10+, IF they can cope with the reading and vocabulary. Also, girls are more likely to enjoy this than boys as the story centers around Calpurnia.
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vbrox7
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Ok, but a little boring
I think this book is ok, but is a bit boring. Maybe it's because the writing's too old-fashioned for me, or maybe it's just because I like fantasy better, but it's not really interesting for me.
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KAnniie
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
I really like it i would recomend it to anyone, well maybe not to guys, but other than that i would.
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fink5599
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
LOVED IT! Perfect for girls, but guys... well, not so much.
Great book! It is all about science, family, and a girl around age 11! I would definitely recommend this book for any person around age 11. Perfect for girls, but guys might get bored. If the reader can understand the vocabulary, I think they should read it!
I loved it!!!
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tonyasrb
parent of 6 and 9 year old
parent of 6 and 9 year old
Great read for girls
The story in based in 1899 Texas. The main character, Calpurnia, develops an interest in science as she gets to know her grandfather more closely. At the same time, her mother pushes her to learn the domestic skills necessary to catch a husband instead of further pursuing an education.
I recommend this book for kids over the age of 10 simply because there are a few references to animal reproduction. Calpurnia briefly mentions that she has seen dogs mating and a man recommends that her brother rent out his rabbit for stud services.
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AnnieK.
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
LOVED IT!!!
I loved the book im doing it for my book report!!!
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meganphil
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Perfect For Girls
THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE BOOKS EVER. I love this book and many other people do to. Calpurnia is more real than just a character in a book. She seems so real. In the book Calpurnia is a tom boy. She hates girly things and doesn't care about cooking skills or anything else her mother wants her to learn. She enjoys escaping to her Grandfather's room and observing nature. Her mother doesn't approve. This book will keep you reading with it's long chapters and you'll sure read it again.
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Fuzzyy1234
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Great for ages nine and up!
I think The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a wonderful, adventurous story filled with excitement, wonder, love, and curiosity. I would seriously recommend this book to anybody ages 9+. The only reason I rated it bad role models and language was because of the Grandfather. But all in all a GREAT book. Definately a page turner. And I would suggest reading The Danger Box by Blue Balliet before reading this book. If you read The Danger Box beforehand, it really makes more sense of this book!
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theoverthink3r
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
good book
i really liked this book. I liked it that calpurnia was a tomboy, and that she wanted to be a scientist (even though there were very few female scientists around).
the only thing its missing is action, but it makes up for it by being pretty interesting.
by the way, not a guys book. Girls will love though
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Dope_Af
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
It Sucked In My Opinion
I Was Confused At The Begining && When I Was Finished I Still Didnt Get The Moral Of The Story So I DON'T like It ! && I Love Reading Books ! I Give It 5 Thumbs DOWN...---->Sorry :|
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