BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kelly, Jacqueline. The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2015. ISBN 9780805097443
PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a follow-up to Jacqueline Kelly's first book, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, but it also works well as a stand-alone novel. This story follows Callie Vee as she turns 13 in the year 1900. She enjoys and thrives on studying science with her grouchy grandfather, the man whom she helped discover a new plant species in The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. However, a life and career in science is not a practical dream for this young girl. Money is not an obstacle. In fact, her six brothers are able to pursue their dreams with the sky being the limit. Unfortunately, Callie was born as a female which means she is destined to become a Texas debutante even though she would rather be a scientist, making discoveries and changing the world. She spends a lot of time helping and protecting her soft-hearted brother, Travis, as he continues to bring home rescued animals against his mother's wishes. Callie is angry because she feels like she is stuck in a world where it doesn't matter that she's smarter and harder-working than her brothers, because her destiny is already determined by society. In this story, Callie learns some valuable tools for achieving the life she wants to live as she spends time with two people that just happen to end up in her hometown because of a huge flood.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jacqueline Kelly has developed a truly accurate and authentic historical fiction novel set in the early 1900's in Texas. She has woven real world events, such as the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, into an adventurous story about a young girl, Callie Vee, which keeps readers intrigued. Kelly incorporates science into the novel in a way that peaks the interest of the audience. Young readers will be encouraged to read more about scientists such as Darwin and will be excited to experience more hands-on science learning activities. She also does a great job developing characters that readers can relate to and learn from. She is not perfect, which makes her much more interesting to readers. For example, Callie hates playing the piano and sewing, and she is not very patient or graceful. However, Callie is a bright young girl who wants to change the world, despite her limitations. She struggles to find a way to further her education instead of just becoming another wealthy matron. The supporting characters, such as Granddaddy, Travis, Mother and Callie's cousin Aggie, are also fully developed into people that readers can relate to.
One of the themes throughout the book is inequity. Callie consistently struggles with the fact that her brothers have opportunities that she will never have because she is a female. This theme accurately reflects the attitudes, values and morals of America in the early 1900s and helps readers understand what life was like for women during this time in history.
This book is an excellent read-aloud or novel study for classes studying Texas History. It is also a great resource for teachers looking to integrate science and history into language arts as well. Callie's story is adventurous and informative and will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
From Kirkus Reviews 2015: "A warm, welcome stand-alone companion to Kelly's lauded debut. "
From School Library Journal 2015: “Recommended for fans of the original novel and strong readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.”
From Booklist 2015: “The novel offers many pleasures, from its well-realized setting to its vividly portrayed characters, but the most irresistible is Callie’s wry, observant narration.”
CONNECTIONS
Check out other books by Jacqueline Kelly:
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate ISBN: 978-0312659301
Return to the Willows ISBN: 978-0805094138
Gather other historical fiction novels that take place in the United States:
A Paradise Called Texas by Janice Jordan Shefelman ISBN: 978-0890155066
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse ISBN: 978-0590371254
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis ISBN: 978-0439402002
Use the story to add a literature component to a Texas History unit/class.
Have students create a Calpurnia-style science notebook to write down questions and observations, make sketches, doodle, and participate in nature studies or art journaling.
Use this book for an afterschool book club. Serve pecan cookies, in honor of the Tate’s pecan grove, as a snack to all participants.
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