Books with author Jacqueline Kelly

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.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. 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. Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit.

The summer of 1899 is HOT in Calpurnia Virginia Tate's sleepy Texas town, and there aren't a lot of good ways to stay cool. Her mother has a new wind machine from town, but Callie might just have to resort to stealthily cutting off her hair, one sneaky inch at a time. She also spends a lot time at the river with her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist. It turns out that every drop of river water is teeming with life – all you have to do is look through a microscope! 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.

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.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. 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. Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing a year of growing up with unique sensitivity and a wry wit. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and the winner of the 2010 Bank Street - Josette Frank Award.

Inspired by the legendary Hawai`ian snow goddess Poli`ahu, the fiery volcano goddess Pele, and the breadfruits, `ulu, that have always played a key role in Polynesian daily living, this is a story of friendship, compassion, and an uncommon display of appreciation for the power that renews and creates the land, sustaining life for generations.Poli`ahu and Pele, celebrated archrivals over hundreds of years, have become best friends and work harmoniously to protect and bring prosperity to their beloved people of Hawai`i. This spectacular story was born from a pleasant afternoons dream while visiting the Huallai region of the Big Island, Hawai`i. It is beautifully illustrated in full color to enhance the readers imagination.An audio book version of this story is created specifically to complement the printed book and promote the Hawaiian tradition of storytelling. Wonderfully narrated by Teri Manawale`a Corpuz, the audio book reminds us of those breezy summer evenings under the starry night sky, when we gathered at the knees of our mothers and grandmothers to hear mystical stories of a far away land.