The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Published in 2009, Jacqueline Kelly’s The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a middle grade novel that follows the life of a young Calpurnia as she explores her love for science in the highly patriarchal society that dominated Texas in the late 19th century. The novel received praise from both readers and critics for its thematic emphasis on discovery and personal growth, earning it the Newbery Honor Award in 2010.

This guide refers to the 2011 Square Fish edition of the novel.

Content Warning: Because the novel is set during the late 19th century, the source text uses racist language that is reflective of the time period.

Plot Summary

In the summer of 1899, a young woman named Calpurnia “Callie” Tate finds herself at odds with the expectations of her family. Callie, who loves nature and science, is expected to become a graceful debutante, but she has no interest in “feminine” things like cooking or sewing. She would much rather spend her time finding scientific specimens and diving into the San Marcos River. One blistering summer day, Calpurnia notices that two different kinds of grasshoppers have begun to populate the lawn around her family’s house: yellow grasshoppers and green grasshoppers. After failing to obtain a copy of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species on her own, she turns to her distant and elusive grandfather, who has a copy in his library.