The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate
#2 of 2 in Calpurnia Tate Series
on Goodreads (4,853)
What’s inside...
Callie Vee, Travis, Granddaddy, and the whole Tate clan are back in this charming follow-up to Newbery Honor–winner The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Callie’s younger brother Travis keeps bringing home strays, and Callie has her hands full keeping the animals—Travis included—away from her mother’s critical eye. When a storm blows a visiting veterinarian into town, Callie discovers a life and a vocation she desperately wants. But with societal expectations as they are, she will need all her wits and courage to realize her dreams. Whether it’s wrangling a rogue armadillo, a stray dog, a guileless younger brother, or a standoffish cousin, the trials and tribulations of Callie Vee will have readers cheering for this most endearing heroine.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Calpurnia to explore the natural world around her?
How do Calpurnia's discoveries challenge the way her family and society see her as a girl in the late 1800s?
Can you identify any moments in the book where Calpurnia uses her observations to solve a problem? What does that tell you about her character?
How do the relationships with her grandfather and other family members influence Calpurnia’s pursuits and interests?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw parallels between Calpurnia’s curiosity and any personal interests they have. Discuss how pursuing those interests further could benefit them.
Highlight the historical context of the book; discuss the gender roles during Calpurnia’s time and compare them with those of today.
Prompt your child to consider how they would feel and what they would do in Calpurnia’s situation, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of societal expectations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Perseverance
Explanation: Calpurnia's relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge, despite the societal norms for girls in the 1890s, showcases the importance of curiosity and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to explore their own interests and not be deterred by obstacles, fostering a lifelong love of learning and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Observation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Calpurnia observes natural phenomena and conducts experiments, demonstrating the scientific method.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to observe the world around them more keenly and think critically about why things happen the way they do.
Example Lesson: Gender Roles and Equality
Explanation: Calpurnia challenges the traditional female roles of her time, promoting the idea that one's capabilities should not be limited by gender.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to judge themselves and others based on their skills and personality rather than gender-based stereotypes.
Example Lesson: Relationship Building
Explanation: The bond between Calpurnia and her grandfather as they explore science together shows the value of intergenerational relationships and shared interests.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to connect with older family members, learning from their experiences and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Calpurnia's explorations raise awareness about the environment and the impact of human activities on nature.
Real-World Application: Children can become more conscious about the environment, fostering responsible behavior towards nature from a young age.