The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

SYNOPSIS:  Calpurnia isn't an ordinary girl living in at the turn of the century.  Unlike her friends, who are eagerly learning how to sew, knit, and cook, Calpurnia thirsts for knowledge.  Scientific knowledge, to be exact. She wants to know all about the world around her, and her grandfather, with his love of Darwinian theory is the perfect person to teach her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a good book for young girls who love science.  Calpurnia is a hapless cook, but a budding scientist.  Her adventures are fun and comical.  There is some brief allusion to the theory of evolution, however, which some readers may not enjoy.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-teens

RATING:  PG

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Little House Series, Anne of Green Gables