A Smart and Spunky Heroine

Six years ago, I met Calpurnia Tate in Jacqueline Kelly’s The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

And then she was gone. Not forgotten, but off my radar.

I met her again this week in The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate.

There wasn’t a huge conflict driving the plot forward, but Callie’s episodic adventures really give you  feel for what it was like for girls who really wanted to pursue an education, let alone a scientific education, at the beginning of the last century.  I wonder if there will be third book, in which Callie actually gets to go to college. I certainly hope so. She has the brains, spunk and determination to get there.

Goodreads Summary: Callie Vee, Travis, Granddaddy, and the whole Tate clan are back in this charming follow-up to Newbery Honor–winner The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

Callie’s younger brother Travis keeps bringing home strays. And Callie has her hands full keeping the animals—Travis included—away from her mother’s critical eye.

When a storm blows change into town in the form of a visiting veterinarian, Callie discovers a life and a vocation she desperately wants. But with societal expectations as they are, she will need all her wits and courage to realize her dreams.

Whether it’s wrangling a rogue armadillo or stray dog, a guileless younger brother or standoffish cousin, the trials and tribulations of Callie Vee will have readers cheering for this most endearing heroine

Fortunately, Kelly’s writing is wonderful and she creates a story full of heart, a scientific Anne of Green Gables. The narration has the gentle pace of storytelling on a Texas porch.

An excellent read for middle grade students in general, and for girls in particular.