"Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven-years-old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. ...As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century."
Yawn. I'm thinking the author didn't write that blurb.
It must have been the Texas setting and 11-year-old heroine that got to me. That and the Newbury Honor medal on the cover.
I'm glad I picked it up, because check out this writing:
"When we got home I couldn't stand the noisy excitement at the unloading of the wagon. I bolted for the river. I ripped off my bonnet and pinafore and dress and threw myself into the water, casting terror into the hearts of the local tadpoles and turtles. Good. That lady librarian had ruined my day, and I was determined to ruin someone -- or something -- else's day. I ducked my head underwater and let out a long, loud scream, the sound burbling in my ears. I came up for air and did it again. And one more time, just to be thorough. The cooling water gradually soothed me. After all, what was one book to me? Really, it didn't matter. One day I would have all the books in the world, shelves and shelves of them. I would live my life in a tower of books. I would read all day long and eat peaches. And if any young knights in armor dared to come calling on their white chargers and plead with me to let down my hair, I would pelt them with peach pits until they went home." (p.16)
So engaging... and not a vampire in sight.
4 comments:
Our book fair is coming up! I'll have to see if we have that one :)
It's on my list.
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing!
Writing of that quality wins awards in children's literature, but is rarely found on the NY Times best seller lists.
How sad it is to be an adult reader.
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