THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE, by Jacqueline Kelly

This Newbery Honor book is a wonderful example of evolution=change. This historical fiction is set in 1899 and ends with the turn of a new century. It emphasizes not only the turbulence and change that we experience during our teenage years, but that that change is even greater when the world is also experiencing the beginning of another century, in this case the 20th.

The Tate's are a well-to-do family with all the conveniences and advantages of those who still live on a working farm in rural Texas. But their only daughter, Calpurnia, or Callie Vae, feels trapped in a role and future that she cannot avoid.

Read p.2 (First 3 sections of 1st full paragraph)

Calpurnia and her grandfather build a bond during this summer and begin spending large amounts of time together. Her grandfather has retired from the mill and spends all of his free time in scientific investigations and experiments. He is an eccentric character who makes it a priority to provide Calpurnia with an education that her schooling is lacking in his opinion. These ideas and pursuits only serve to aggravate her mother who wants her to focus on her housekeeping, sewing, and cooking skills. Read p.192 "My mother got one girl out of seven tries...It all seemed so muddled (193). Calpurnia's life seems to revolve around an invisible set of social rules for her brothers and another for her. "Why do I have to mind the babies?" (199-200) "Exactly how, Lamar?" Her dreams to go to college and become a scientist will not be squashed (217 top-218 top).

It was interesting for me to read this book about the turn of the 20th Century after I experienced the turn of the 21st Century. Even thought the 20th Century was a time of great discovery and innovation, some many things were much more advanced technologically in my time. But it was interesting to me how similar things was for teenagers of both periods. It has never been an easy time to be a teenager! :)

I had several reasons for starting this blog. The main reason was for me to be able to keep up with what I was reading and be able to share that information with others. I have not done so well so far. I hope to improve what I get recorded.