The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate-Review by Clare in Ms. Lakoff's Class

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is a pioneer book with a modern twist.  With excerpts from Darwin's book "The Origins of the Species", at the beginning of each chapter, the authors tells the story of a girl's forbidden obsession with science in a fresh and fun-filled way.  As the main character, Calpurnia, starts spending more time with her grandfather discussing and exploring science, society requires her to spend less and less time doing experiments  and instead spend long, boring afternoons learning how to sew and knit socks, cook and learn how to be a gentlemen's wife.  Calpurnia wants to fight this fate.

Although this book is set at the turn of the century, Calpurnia's thoughts and feelings are surprisingly modern.  Don't let the somewhat slow beginning fool you, as the book progresses it gets way more exciting.  Ms. Kelly uses a unique cast of characters to act out usual elements like an embroidery contest and a turkey killing.  Two thumbs up for this book!  A must read for all science and history enthusiasts!