From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

Alison
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
Astrid Lim
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 :)
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Mary Lee
Aug 19, 2015 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
Maria Caplin
Aug 10, 2015 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.
Kristine
Nov 09, 2014 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.
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Tamsyn
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
Michele
Feb 05, 2016 rated it really liked it
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
J.j.
Jan 18, 2015 rated it really liked it
Superb read, 4.5/5. Loved this one even more than the first, perhaps because of the focus on animals versus the hairy vetch! Highly recommend.
April Moody
Jul 02, 2015 rated it really liked it
I loved this one just as much as the first- heart warming- charming- and you can't help but adore Calpurnia! ...more
Kathy
Jul 23, 2014 marked it as to-read
Rachel
Jan 20, 2015 marked it as to-read
Jan
Nov 12, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Julie
Feb 03, 2015 rated it really liked it
Sherry Holland
Feb 04, 2015 marked it as to-read
Bekah
Feb 06, 2015 marked it as to-read
Kris Springer
Feb 10, 2015 marked it as to-read
Katharine
Feb 11, 2015 marked it as to-read
Kristen
Feb 11, 2015 rated it it was amazing
Donalyn
Mar 22, 2015 marked it as to-read
Maggi Rohde
Apr 14, 2015 marked it as to-read
Missie
Apr 29, 2015 rated it really liked it
Gin
May 19, 2015 marked it as to-read
Barbara A.
Jun 21, 2015 marked it as to-read
Shauna
Aug 27, 2015 marked it as to-read
Leslie
Sep 04, 2015 marked it as to-read
Parry Rigney
Sep 09, 2015 marked it as to-read
Natane
Oct 10, 2015 marked it as to-read
kristen
Nov 22, 2015 marked it as to-read
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