by Jacqueline Kelly
This Newbery Honor book is a real treasure. Eleven year old Calpurnia Virginia Tate, aka Callie Vee, is the only girl of seven children. Sandwiched among her six brothers, Callie brings readers into her hot, dusty, small town, Texas world of 1899. Her story is fun-filled with hilarious tales of life with her family. But the story is not just about growing up in Texas at the turn of the century, it's about her dreams and how she comes to realize them through the developing relationship with her grand daddy. Calpurnia and her grand daddy share a common passion for science and observing the natural world around them. Will Callie Vee be allowed to pursue her dreams in a time when young women are expected to get married and have a family?
If you are looking for a book that is fun-filled and pleasurable pick this one up. I liken it to The Penderwicks: a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits and a very, interesting boy by Jeanne Birdsall.
