July 2009: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacquiline Kelly

My pick so far for the Newbery! Calpurnia Virginia Tate, or Callie Vee, is the only girl in the middle of seven children, in a small Texas town at the end of the 19th century. She deftly negotiates relationships with her exacting mother, her demanding brothers, and her distracted but fond father--but she is terrified of her gruff grandfather. That is, until she discovers that they have something in common--their love of observing nature. Callie spends more and more time with her grandfather, learning the scientific method, but is becoming more and more aware that she is expected to devote her life to housekeeping and needlework skills. You'll love getting to know Callie and you'll hope for a sequel!