THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE

Natalie Ross narrates this story, set in 1900, with a light Texas accent appropriate to the setting and to the gentle, observant nature of the 13-year-old main character. Calpurnia studies science with her formidable grandfather, contends with her many brothers, and engages in life on her well-to-do family's ranch. Ross ratchets up the emotion in the tense scenes, as when Calpurnia and her grandfather attempt to warn Galveston of an impending hurricane and when Calpurnia realizes someone has stolen her precious five-dollar gold coin. Ross also conveys every bit of Calpurnia's frustration and disappointment when her parents discourage her college aspirations and scientific dreams. Ross's melodious voice and the vividness of her portrayals will keep listeners delighting in this audio performance. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2015]