In this witty historical fiction middle grade novel set at the turn of the century, an 11-year-old girl explores the natural world, learns about science and animals, and grows up. A Newbery Honor Book.
“The most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. . . . Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today.” ―The New Yorker Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. 
Author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. This title has Common Core connections. This is perfect for young readers who like historical fiction, STEM topics, animal stories, and feminist middle grade novels.
Don't miss the sequel! The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
To follow Calpurnia Tate on more adventures, read the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series: Skunked! Counting Sheep Who Gives a Hoot? A Prickly Problem
Praise for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate:
“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. . . . Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today.” ―The New Yorker, "Book Bench" section
“In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of a new century. And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie. . . . Readers will want to crank up the A.C. before cracking the cover, though. That first chapter packs a lot of summer heat.” ―The Washington Post
“Each chapter of this winning . . . novel opens with a quotation from ‘On the Origin of Species'--a forbidden book that her own grandfather turns out to have hidden away. Together they study Darwin's masterpiece, leading to a revolution in Callie's ideas of what she might accomplish on her own.” ―New York Times Book Review
“Callie's transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for an exciting and enjoyable read. Kelly's rich images and setting, believable relationships and a touch of magic take this story far.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Interwoven with the scientific theme are threads of daily life in a large family--the bonds with siblings, the conversations overheard, the unspoken understandings and misunderstandings--all told with wry humor and a sharp eye for details that bring the characters and the setting to life. The eye-catching jacket art, which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.” ―Booklist, Starred Review “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.” ―Kirkus, Starred Review
“A charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century. . . . there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel.” ―School Library Journal, Starred Review
“Narrator Calpurnia's voice is fresh and convincing, and Granddaddy is that favorite relative most readers would love to claim as their own. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat.” ―The Bulletin
“Kelly, without anachronism, has created a memorable, warm, spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time.” ―The Horn Book Review
“That rare book that will appeal to child and adult alike.” ―Austin American-Statesman
“Introduces a turn-of-the-20th-century heroine for modern times.” ―Shelf Awareness

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate: (Newbery Honor Book) (Calpurnia Tate, 1)

Children's Books

Kelly, Jacqueline

Literature & Fiction

Square Fish

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is an 11 year old girl in 1899, learning what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Newbery Honor Book

Scholastic. Inc.

The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate

Turtleback Books

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. 
Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award. This title has Common Core connections.

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger are back for more rollicking adventures in this sequel to The Wind in the Willows. With lavish illustrations by Clint Young, Jacqueline Kelly masterfully evokes the magic of Kenneth Grahame's beloved children's classic and brings it to life for a whole new generation.

Return to the Willows

Animals

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.
Travis keeps bringing home strays. And Callie has her hands full keeping the wild animals-her brother included-away from her mother's critical eye. 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 laughing and crying and cheering for this most endearing heroine.
This title has Common Core connections.

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate (Calpurnia Tate, 2)

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. 
Travis keeps bringing home strays. And Callie has her hands full keeping the wild animals―her brother included―away from her mother's critical eye. 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 laughing and crying and cheering for this most endearing heroine.
In this enchanting middle-grade novel, The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, readers will fall deeper in love with our heroine Callie Vee, as she continues her journey to learn more about the world around her and to deal with her wild family.
“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years.” ―The New Yorker, "Book Bench" section
“In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of a new century. And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie.” ―The Washington Post on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Don't miss any of Callie's middle-grade adventures: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate The Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series: Skunked! Counting Sheep

From Newbery honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes Skunked!, a new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. 
In Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Callie Vee, Travis, and Dr. Pritzker help animals big and small.
When soft-hearted Travis discovers an abandoned baby skunk, he can't help but bring him home and take care of him. Stinky, as Travis names him, settles in pretty well. But when Travis discovers Stinky's litter-mate, Winky, who is in need of some help, things get complicated around the Tate house. One skunk is a piece of cake; two is just asking for trouble. Will Travis and Callie be able to keep the critters away from Mother's careful eyes―and nose?
Don't miss the next book in the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series: Counting Sheep. And don't forget the Calpurnia Tate books for middle-grade readers: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate.
Praise for Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet: “Expect a fresh crop of Calpurnia readers to simply enjoy this on its own considerable merits.” ―The Bulletin
“This is a great progression from the Lois Lowry books and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ‘Little House’ books.” ―Children's Literature
 "This engaging introductory chapter book contains the added benefit of introducing readers to science and nature terminology as well as a bit of Texas history. . . . Entertaining, humorous, and informative." ―School Library Journal, starred review on Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet 
Praise for The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate: “Six years after debuting in Kelly's Newbery Honor-winning The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, the budding Texas scientist returns, as curious and charming as ever, and now preoccupied with fauna instead of flora . . . Happily, the episodic narrative leaves the door wide open for further adventures―if we're lucky.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Animal lovers will revel in the abundant anecdotes about the benevolent country vet and Travis' mangy strays―some heart-wrenching, some hilarious―while learning plenty about nature ("from pond water up to the stars"), the deadly 1900 Galveston hurricane, and early Texas history as recounted by Callie's scholarly and beloved Granddaddy. A warm, welcome stand-alone companion to Kelly's lauded debut.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Well worth waiting for . . . Readers will flock to this sequel” ―Booklist, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Humor and little heartbreaks abound as Callie learns animal care under the tutelage of Dr. Pritzker, the town's veterinarian. . . .” ―School Library Journal, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
Praise for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate: “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. …Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today.” ―The New Yorker, "Book Bench" section on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
 “In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of a new century. And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie . . . Readers will want to crank up the A.C. before cracking the cover, though. That first chapter packs a lot of summer heat.” ―The Washington Post on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 1)

The character from The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate helps animals big and small in this second book in a chapter book series by a Newbery Honor author.
When Callie and Granddaddy go exploring by the river, Callie discovers a leaf covered with spots. Those spots, it turns out, are eggs, and those eggs become butterflies. One of her newly hatched butterflies has a problem, though―its wing is broken. Can Callie find a way to help this butterfly fly? 
Mother's prize sheep, Snow White, is pregnant and about to give birth. With Dr. Pritzker off helping a colicky horse, it falls to Callie to deliver the lamb. Callie takes the situation in hand, bringing the lamb into the world―and getting her fair due from Mother!
Counting Sheep is the second book in the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet chapter book series from Jacqueline Kelly. 
Don't miss any of Callie Vee's veterinary adventures: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #1: Skunked! Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #2: Counting Sheep Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #3: Who Gives a Hoot?

Counting Sheep: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 2)

From Newbery Honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes a third title in her illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. 
Out in their boat exploring the San Marcos River, Callie and Granddaddy see all kinds of nature―fish, mockingbirds, ammonites, and more. But when Callie spots an owl in the water, she knows it's in trouble. With quick thinking and quick action, she and Granddaddy bring the bird aboard―but will they be able to save its life?
Don't miss the other books in the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series: Skunked! Counting Sheep Who Gives a Hoot? Praise for Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet: “Expect a fresh crop of Calpurnia readers to simply enjoy this on its own considerable merits.” ―The Bulletin
“This is a great progression from the Lois Lowry books and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ‘Little House’ books.” ―Children's Literature
 "This engaging introductory chapter book contains the added benefit of introducing readers to science and nature terminology as well as a bit of Texas history. . . . Entertaining, humorous, and informative." ―School Library Journal, starred review on Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet 
Praise for The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate: “Six years after debuting in Kelly's Newbery Honor-winning The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, the budding Texas scientist returns, as curious and charming as ever, and now preoccupied with fauna instead of flora . . . Happily, the episodic narrative leaves the door wide open for further adventures―if we're lucky.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Animal lovers will revel in the abundant anecdotes about the benevolent country vet and Travis' mangy strays―some heart-wrenching, some hilarious―while learning plenty about nature ("from pond water up to the stars"), the deadly 1900 Galveston hurricane, and early Texas history as recounted by Callie's scholarly and beloved Granddaddy. A warm, welcome stand-alone companion to Kelly's lauded debut.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Well worth waiting for . . . Readers will flock to this sequel” ―Booklist, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
 “Humor and little heartbreaks abound as Callie learns animal care under the tutelage of Dr. Pritzker, the town's veterinarian. . . .” ―School Library Journal, starred review on The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
Praise for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate: “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. …Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today.” ―The New Yorker, "Book Bench" section on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
 “In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of a new century. And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie . . . Readers will want to crank up the A.C. before cracking the cover, though. That first chapter packs a lot of summer heat.” ―The Washington Post on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Who Gives a Hoot?: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 3)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kelly, Jacqueline. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Kelly, Jacqueline

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kelly, Jacqueline. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate: (Newbery Honor Book) (Calpurnia Tate, 1)

Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Newbery Honor Book

The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate: (Newbery Honor Book) (Calpurnia Tate, 1)

Return to the Willows

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate (Calpurnia Tate, 2)

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate (Calpurnia Tate, 2)

Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 1)

Counting Sheep: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 2)

Who Gives a Hoot?: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, 3)