The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Set in Texas, 1899, this story stars Calpurnia, whose six siblings are boys. She would like to be one too. She is fascinated by science and the natural world. The traditional role of a girl does not appeal to her. In her cantankerous grandfather Callie finds a kindred soul. She learns that he has carried on a correspondence with Charles Darwin. When he finds a plant that he believes is a new species, they send it off to the Smithsonian for confirmation. Abundant references to Darwin's work are woven into the plot. The book is rich with interesting characters, information about the scientific method, and thoughts about the place of women in the society of the day.