"The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" is a nicely written, but limited book. It's main themes are feminism and science, and the author does a fair job of showing us the challenges a white girl from the richest family in a small town in Texas had to face around 1900. But, like a pretty painting, it's only two dimensional. Left out, except for the barest sketches of maids and other help, are African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans. Calpurnia, a spirited child, admires Confederate generals. Um, weren't they fighting for SLAVERY? Some of Calpernia's relatives were "Indian fighters." Um, what happened to all the Native people in the West and the Southwest upon whose land the Tates make their fortune? One could argue, "The author is trying to create a realistic picture of life in Texas in 1900 before the era of African American or Native American of Chicano Studies. That's how they talked." Well, one of the marvelous things about literature - and I write children's books - is that one is free to fly about, to enter the minds, hearts, and lives of many different characters. But, the young reader will never get that chance to explore life in Texas in 1900 as experienced by former slaves, or of Mexican farmers, or Native people forced onto reservations. Perhaps their lives are not pretty enough. Perhaps their problems are greater than being forced to make an apple pie. Students seeking to understand the richly diverse history of Texas are like the moth Calpurnia keeps that is way too big for the jar. (Calpernia sets the moth free, eventually.) Sadly, this book is the jar. Readers will have to search far and wide for books by Native authors and authors of color to spread their wings and their minds. The recent decision in Tucson Arizona to remove Chicano and Native Studies programs - and even books - from their schools is an attempt to go back to 1900. I doubt they will ban Jacqueline Kelly.

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

The ending wasn't as good as I expected, but over all was a great read!

best book ever!! this was one of the best books ive ever read:) i agree, there should be a sequel

Cute and quirky read. There needs to be another book to chronicle how she overcomes the limitations imposed on her.

A spunky, interesting read. I really love Calpurnia and her sense of humour. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Still, a great pick for YRCA 2012!

I enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it!

I love this book because it is fun good an intertaning I was hooked espeshily at the end if I liked it you will to

It's a okay book, better at the end, though. Good read.

I loved reading this book -- it was facinating! However, I felt that there really was no ending to the book -- it just stopped. The main conflict was not resolved -- the problem of Calpurnia's future, though she does begin to resolve to find a way to attend a women's college. It was a good introduction to 1899's thinking for kids now. Also, a nice intro to science and the scientific method.