  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2015 Gr 4–6—Thirteen-year-old Callie Vee returns in this stand-alone sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (Holt, 2009). Callie's thirst for scientific discovery remains strong, as does her parents' disregard for any plans for the future that don't involve debutante balls and marrying a well-respected gentleman. In between recording questions and observations in her journal, Callie and brother Travis attempt to make pets of an armadillo, a blue jay, and a coyote mix, to mostly disastrous results. Humor and little heartbreaks abound as Callie learns animal care under the tutelage of Dr. Pritzker, the town's veterinarian, but her accomplishments are ignored and even ridiculed in favor of Travis's smaller contributions. The devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane drops 17-year-old cousin Aggie, traumatized by the storm, into their household. Relationships with secondary characters, such as the family's cook, Viola, and Dr. Pritzker, are charming and well developed. Mother remains cold and lacking in fondness for Callie. A brief overview of Callie's relationship with her grandfather and their scientific inquiries provide a basic background for readers unfamiliar with the story. Aggie is not a particularly sympathetic character, but her business and financial sense are great influences on Callie. Chapters are introduced by quotes from Charles Darwin's The Voyage of the Beagle. Callie and Travis's relationship is tender and believable yet still reflects the imbalance and unfairness of the gender divide. The conclusion leaves open the possibility for further adventures. VERDICT Recommended for fans of the original novel and strong readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/15/2015 *Starred Review* Well worth waiting for, this sequel to the Newbery Honor Book The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (2009) offers a narrative full of secrets, revelations, and droll humor. In the spring of 1900, 13-year-old Callie, who continues to study science with her beloved, eccentric grandfather, spots a seagull 200 miles inland. Soon a deadly hurricane engulfs Galveston and sends two refugees their way: Callie’s older cousin Aggie, who is traumatized, abrasive, and cagey; and Dr. Pritzker, a veterinarian who offers Callie unexpected opportunities. Meanwhile, her brother Travis enlists her help in caring for a series of unsuitable wild pets without letting their parents know. As the story unfolds, Callie begins to articulate goals for herself and take quiet, practical steps to achieve them. Character development progresses gradually, with Callie lying when it suits her but increasingly taking responsibility for her words and actions. She becomes more painfully aware of both the inequity of her place in the family and women’s roles in society. The novel offers many pleasures, from its well-realized setting to its vividly portrayed characters, but the most irresistible is Callie’s wry, observant narration. Readers will flock to this sequel for the pleasure of revisiting this beloved character and her world. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2015 A new century has just arrived, and 1900 seems to promise Calpurnia Tate a host of fresh possibilities. Ever since she and her naturalist grandfather discovered a new species of vetch (in The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, BCCB 7/09), their relationship has deepened into true friendship, and Calpurnia alone among the grandchildren has earned his affection and respect. Under his tutelage, the thirteen-year-old truly sees herself aiming for a career in science. As she presses her parents for further education and broader opportunities, though, it becomes apparent that the deck is stacked against ambitious women striving to enter “men’s” professions. Her luck changes unexpectedly when the epic hurricane that levels the city of Galveston blows into her life a pair of survivors, who nudge Calpurnia closer to her dream. Her cranky older cousin Aggie, living with the Tates until her parents rebuild their home, teaches Calpurnia how to type, how to salt money away in a bank, and most stunningly, how to deceive and rebel against parents. Dr. Pritzker, a veterinarian, sets up a new practice in Calpunia’s community and comes to rely on Calpurnia’s assistance at ever more complicated medical interventions. Calpurnia, despite her lofty plans for the future, is no feisty fictional anachronism, but a thoughtful adolescent who is fully aware that years still span her present and future, and the best she can do for now is to shove her foot through every door that opens even a crack. As she squabbles here with her siblings, perturbs her parents, and conspires with her brother Travis in the care of wild animals, readers can only hope Kelly is preparing another installment that will guide Calpurnia toward a career befitting her talents. EB - Copyright 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Loading...
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