A review by ezwolf
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Callie dreams of one day becoming a knight and when their dad is called back to Helston help train the train the prince, sees it as a perfect opportunity to prove themselves! But as Callie already knows, the world doesn't look kindly on difference, and Helston is no exception, but they hardly let that stop them from trying to start making changes.

I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait for it to be released so I can buy it and make everyone I know read it! I love that we're getting more and more books in middle grade about non-binary/gender non-conforming kids, it's representation that I would have loved as a child and brings me so much joy to read now. To also have the idea presented that it's not the family you're born with, but the family you choose and the family that loves you for you, I think that's so important for kids to read too.

All of the kids were wonderful characters and none of them were how you expected them to be, or how Callie does either. Also the sheer amount of righteous rage that's packed into 12 year old Callie was so much fun to read. Those infuriating moments that happen to kids in books and you wish you could just pop into the book and yell on their behalf? Callie does that all on her own, for herself and for her friends. 

Thank you to NetGalley and  Random House and Labyrinth Road for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
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