The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate

Starred review from May 4, 2015
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. Travis, one of Callie’s six brothers, continually needs her help because of his bad choices in pets (armadillo, blue jay, raccoon, etc.). Callie’s training under the tutelage of her gruff, beloved grandfather continues with increasingly complex dissections. Meanwhile, the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane sends refugees to Fentress that include an injured veterinarian, who finds an eager assistant in 13-year-old Callie, despite his reservations about a young lady working in an often gruesome field. Undeterred, Callie finds her passion at precisely the same moment she realizes how unfairly the deck is stacked against girls of her era. But if anybody can figure a way around studying the domestic arts, it’s whip-smart Callie, literary cousin to Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce, and just as sharp an observer. Happily, the episodic narrative leaves the door wide open for further adventures—if we’re lucky. Ages 9–12. Agent: Marcy Posner, Folio Literary Management.

Natalie Ross narrates this story, set in 1900, with a light Texas accent appropriate to the setting and to the gentle, observant nature of the 13-year-old main character. Calpurnia studies science with her formidable grandfather, contends with her many brothers, and engages in life on her well-to-do family's ranch. Ross ratchets up the emotion in the tense scenes, as when Calpurnia and her grandfather attempt to warn Galveston of an impending hurricane and when Calpurnia realizes someone has stolen her precious five-dollar gold coin. Ross also conveys every bit of Calpurnia's frustration and disappointment when her parents discourage her college aspirations and scientific dreams. Ross's melodious voice and the vividness of her portrayals will keep listeners delighting in this audio performance. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Calpurnia is turning 13 and realizing that she receives half as much allowance and education as her brothers, and her parents don't expect her to become anything other than a housewife. But Calpurnia's love of science and all things related to the natural world leave her yearning for a different future. An older female cousin who lands in their household following the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900 unexpectedly helps Calpurnia begin to glimpse new possibilities for herself. Further, Calpurnia's escapades with the new vet, Dr. Pritzker, give her some direction as well as a way to earn money. Narrator Natalie Ross is magnificent, perfectly capturing the tone of the young Calpurnia, her family, and the secondary characters. Each has their own recognizable voice, making the narrative easy to follow as well as entertaining. The pacing is just right throughout, with pauses and changes in tempo in all the right moments. VERDICT Full of the ups and downs of growing up, this work will appeal to fans of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (Holt, 2009), as well as listeners who just love a good, character-driven story. ["Recommended for fans of the original novel and strong readers who enjoy character-driven narratives": SLJ 3/1/15 starred review of the Holt book.]-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

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