The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate (Calpurnia Tate, #2) in Mock Newbery 2026

Nov 13, 2014 Alison rated it it was amazing

Shelves: multi-generational, stunning, grandparents, small-towns, rural-setting, all-time-favorites, middle-school, elementary-school, historical-fiction, light

Every bit as enjoyable and engrossing as the first book of Calpurnia's adventures. Once again Jacqueline Kelly's writing is studded with rich vocabulary but flows with so much ease that you can sink right into it and float there for days. Each time I put this book down I hankered to pick it up again. Calpurnia's spunk and determination make her a joy to watch and a great source for empowerment. Pet lovers will find an especially keen entry point into this story, and history lovers will rejoice! ...more

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Jun 21, 2020 Astrid Lim rated it liked it

Shelves: lovely-heroine, middle-grade, children, historical-fiction, america, women, science, popsugar-2020

3.5 stars!

As always, love Calpurnia's stories and adventures. Her thirst of knowledge, love of nature - all so endearing and adorable. Also her struggle to live as a girl in Texas's 1900s, when the expectations were so much different than today.

In the beginning, the story is a bit too slow, but it caught up alright in the middle until the end. I do hope we will hear more about Calpurnia again :) ...more

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Aug 19, 2015 Mary Lee rated it really liked it

Jacqueline Kelly, you better get Calpurnia to college in the next book! She's one of my favorite girl characters in children's literature. What she would have done for me if I'd have known her when I was 12... ...more

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Aug 10, 2015 Maria Caplin rated it really liked it

A book after my own heart. The setting and family interactions were perfect. I loved the first one a little more.

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Nov 09, 2014 Kristine rated it liked it

I liked it, probably not as much as Calpurnia 1. The pacing seemed to drag. Just not much happening plot wise in rural Texas in the early 1900s eh? I loved the glimpses into deeper characterization and the feel of setting the third book up for a bigger conflict.

I'd love it if the author skipped a few years in the future and wrote about her going to medical/vet school and being the first female veterinarian and the challenges she faces. Or something. ...more

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Feb 02, 2015 Tamsyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fms, books-that-teach, historical-fiction, humorous, children-s

Fun from start to finish. Once again, Jacqueline Kelly has given Calpurnia (or Callie Vee) a wonderful, engaging voice. I thoroughly enjoyed following her continuing explorations into the scientific world with her grandfather as well as the larger role of her soft-hearted, can't-say-no-to-any-animal brother Travis. I also appreciate her weaving of real events into the story and seeing the world from the point of view of a young girl in 1900. ...more

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Feb 05, 2016 Michele rated it really liked it

Shelves: juvenile-8-12, historical-fiction

Loved it. Callie is growing up and questioning why the norm seems to be a state of inequality. I especially liked the references to Galveston's 1900 storm. ...more

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