Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom

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. . . . A love letter to seekers, as heartfelt as it is wise.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Mills (The Last Apple Tree), a Philosophy professor, adeptly makes Socrates and Epictetus understandable and relatable, and readers will find the various scrapes that Callie finds herself in with Archie and at school hilarious and heartwarming. . . .A recommended purchase, great for fans of Janae Marks or Dusti Bowling.
—School Library Journal

Topics like death, bullying, and empathy are woven into the narrative without being overt; seeing how 11-year-old Callie responds to different stressors will mirror readers’ own big emotions in their small bodies. A wonderful coming-of-age story serving as an introduction to complex theories, hopefully sparking curiosity about philosophy for young readers.
—Booklist

Callie is a chatty, personable narrator who is trying her best in situations that are both hilarious and heartbreakingly cringeworthy. . . . There’s nuanced growth and understanding in every relationship Callie has, from her connection with her grumpy but forgiving grandpa to a BFF who’s supportive even in the roughest times.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books