The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Description:

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 (Goodreads). 
My Thoughts:

Another one of my library finds.  Actually I've picked up this book at least ten times before I decide to take it with me.  I really liked the cover of this book it was simple yet very true to the story. 

Calpurnia was such a refreshing character, she is funny, sarcastic, smart, headstrong and independent.  She is a twelve year old girl who starts to realise what it means to be a girl in 1899, the limitations that the time that she lives in puts on her gender.  But that never stops her from going on adventures of scientific discovery.  It is refreshing to read about a girl who is interested in something other than dresses and dolls.  There is one passage that stuck out for in this book, and felt bad and sad for Calpurnia:

"I had never classified myself with other girls.  I was not of their species; I was different.  I had never thought my future would be like their.  But now I knew that was untrue, and that I was exactly like other girls.  I was expected to hand over my life to a house, a husband, children."

Page 220 



Calpurnia and her grandfather were my two favourite characters, I like how their relationship develops thought the book.  Her grandfather was funny and interesting character, I though it was so funny that he does not even know the name of his granchildren, except for Calpurnia. 

Overall this was a very good read, it was fast and entertaining and i wished that I read it sooner.  I give this book 5/5 STARS.