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

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-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

I would like to begin with a thank you to this wonderful book's author for an advanced reader's copy.

This review will contain spoilers and quotes.

I've not explored the realm of middle grade books since I was the target demographic of their narratives, and Sir Callie's story was the perfect re-beginning. Filled with heart, soul, friendship, and bravery, Esme Symes-Smith delivers a delicate story wrapped in sharp edges and tied with the queerest of all bows.

The nonbinary representation found in Callie, the protagonist, is like nothing else I've seen. Their identity is flawlessly embedded into the second world society, reflecting many realities to our own earth while pulling a new twist in the context of fictional kingdom, Helston. Even better, this is all done in a way that is digestible for our youth.

I wasn’t a she, and I wasn’t a he, I was just . . . Callie. Eventually, I put on “they,” and I haven’t taken those shoes off since.

Despite Callie's horrible mama, they find acceptance in their papa, who always defends them and accepts their identity.

“Mm-hmm. And how old is she?”

“They,” says Papa pointedly, “are twelve, and more proficient than most squires about to be knighted."

Speaking of Callie's papa, also known as Sir Nicholas... he is one of the best fictional fathers in the history of scruffy, himbo bisexual men. He has always stood up for Callie, even when it meant abandoning the very place he lived, and continues to love them unconditionally. Better yet, this parental bond extends to Nick's partner, Neal, a magical man who grows to love Callie as his own flesh and blood—if not more. 

All the people I love the most.
Who love me.
Exactly as I am.

The friendship between Callie, Elowen, and Willow was astoundingly emotional. From the secret practices and lessons Callie shared with each of them, all the way up until the moments wherein Callie become the prince's champion and fought their biggest battle yet, they had a strong hold on my heart.

"Friends are better than heroes."

Not only that, but Esme managed to deliver such a closely bonded friendship in a middle grade novel, while still managing to appeal to people outside of the intended audience, like myself. It felt as though the message underlining the importance of friendship transcended the age group it was intended for, and delivered a story that can resonate with any soul, no matter how old.

"We can be different together.”

As a useless lesbian, I must briefly comment on what I assume to be a blossoming romance between Callie and Elowen because oh my god. Every stolen glance and delicate touch and carefully chosen word reminded me of my first ever crushes. I saw so much of my young self that has never once been represented before.

Elowen laughs, open and bright, and I know I'm staring but I can't help it. I want to make this world better for her. I want her to have everything she wants.

Of course, the narrative was beautiful, too. Aside from the inspiring and vital themes, the plot at its simplest was wonderfully engaging. Personally, I am less a fantasy reader than I am a romance or contemporary one, but Sir Callie and their story was one of those books with a can't-put-it-down feeling intertwined with every word.

Please, do yourself a favour, and read this book, gift this book, sit side by side with your child or sibling or cousin and let them learn the ways a world can be broken as well as the ways a world can be fixed.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston have the potential to change the hearts, minds, and lives of a new generation.

Callie is the role model every child needs.

A real Helston knight...
I punch the sky with a whoop! 
And I'm going to do it as myself.
As Callie.
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