A lovely historical fiction novel about an "almost 12-year-old girl" who develops a fascination for nature and science. In Austin, Texas in the year 1899, Calpurnia can't control her hunger for reading, scientific observation, and experiments with Grandaddy despite her mother's wishes that she learn to cook and knit in preparation for her debutante. The only girl in a family of 6 boys, Calpurnia is caught between what others expect her to be and what who she really is at the core.
