CALLIOPE CALLISTO CLARK AND THE SEARCH FOR WISDOM

A curious sixth grader discovers that modern problems may require ancient solutions.

Calliope Callisto Clark has a lot to worry about. Her history teacher is strict to the point of being unfair, her strong emotions lead adults to label her “difficult,” and her grandparents are threatening to send her dog, Archie, back to the Humane Society after he caused Granny to fall and break her wrist. Calliope, who was orphaned as a toddler and lives with her grandparents, is determined to become the perfect version of herself so she can keep her dog. After briefly covering ancient Greek philosophers in history class, Calliope forms a philosophy club to pursue perfection with the help of best friend Peggy Anderson, nemesis-turned-friend Philip Kumar, and school librarian Mr. Davenport. She soon realizes that Socrates, Plato, and Epictetus may not have the answers she seeks, but they do have the questions that guide her to integrity, courage, and compassion. Calliope is an amusing narrator who displays both the remarkable insight and flawed logic realistic to an 11-year-old. The novel is exquisitely sensitive to the injustices of childhood, and equally celebratory of the comforts of friendship. The slice-of-life plot has momentum without feeling rushed, and the philosophy discussions are written to be understandable for a middle grade audience without being excessively simplified. Calliope and Peggy present white, and Philip’s last name cues him as South Asian.

A love letter to seekers, as heartfelt as it is wise.