The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Calpurnia is an eleven-year-old tomboy living during 1899, just before the turn of the 20th century. She is very interested in nature and loves spending time with her grandfather who is a scientist. They explore the natural world collecting specimens. She loves to catch bugs. Once she catches a caterpillar to keep for a pet which then ultimately turns into a moth.
Calpurnia’s grandfather is a member of the young National Geographic Society and knows Charles Darwin, whose quotes begin each chapter.
This is a really sweet story about being a girl in the last 19th century. Calpurnia enjoys nice things but isn’t interested in being a proper young lady when there is so much in the world to explore.
Definitely a good one to recommend for middle grade girls, especially when a parent wants a good book where no one dies.
