The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Reach for this book when your daughter feels confined by social expectations or when you want to nurture a child's budding interest in science and the natural world. Set in 1899 Texas, the story follows eleven year old Callie Vee as she navigates life as the only girl among six brothers. While her mother expects her to master domestic arts like cooking and sewing, Callie finds her true calling in the dirt and the river, exploring the wonders of evolution with her grandfather. It is a beautiful exploration of intellectual curiosity and the struggle for independence during a time of great historical change. Parents will appreciate the rich vocabulary and the respectful, growing bond between Callie and her formerly distant grandfather. The book celebrates the scientific method and the courage it takes to be oneself when the world has other plans.