“I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female heroine. The year is 1899 and twelve-year-old Calpurnia Tate would rather be exploring the wilderness outside her Texas homestead than learning to sew, cook or play the piano. Through an expected relationship with her eclectic scientist grandfather, Calpurnia learns how to be true to herself in an era when expectations of young women do not include scientific inquiries about the natural world. This is a great read for all ages.”—Deborah, Waucoma Bookstore, Hood River, OR