For October, we’ll be reading The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, a middle-grade historical novel that’s getting good Newbery advance buzz. Vice-President Cheryl Wolf had a hankering to read this book when she heard about the opportunity to see the author locally at New York Public Library on October 21. (Turns out it’s during the day, though, so see if you can bring your class or hope for a webcast.) Here’s a description from the School Library Journal review:

As the only girl in an uppercrust Texas family of seven children, Calpurnia, 11, is expected to enter young womanhood with all its trappings of tight corsets, cookery, and handiwork. Unlike other girls her age, Callie is most content when observing and collecting scientific specimens with her grandfather. Bemoaning her lack of formal knowledge, he surreptitiously gives her a copy of The Origin of Species and Callie begins her exploration of the scientific method and evolution, eventually happening upon the possible discovery of a new plant species.

Discussion will open here October 28. Please join us!