Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom

Claudia Mills's novel follows Calliope Callisto Clark, an emotionally intense, intellectually precocious orphan who seeks wisdom from ancient philosophers to keep her beloved but troublesome dog.

The story uses encounters with Socrates, Plato, and especially Epictetus to explore moral questions, responsibility, and emotional growth for a young audience.

Through a small school philosophy club, Calliope confronts fairness, choice, and control, learning lessons about what she can and cannot control.

The book blends philosophical ideas with a coming-of-age narrative, aiming to make ancient thought accessible to children aged roughly nine to twelve.

It emphasizes dialogue, stories, and practical ethics rather than abstract theory.