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A review by ghada_mohammed
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
“I can't live my life scared of maybe getting hurt when giving up and giving in mean definitely getting hurt.”
An exciting coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, tolerance, and found family.
In Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, nothing is as simple as it seems to be, and grown-ups are not always reliable even when they mean well. When push comes to shove, it is up to Callie and their friends to put things in order: calling out villains, challenging the unfair status quo, and riding out to rescue their own.
I particularly loved how Callie had a rich network of chosen family and friends, but was still allowed to make their own choices and go about their own battles: how having support did not interfere with their independent growth as a person. I also loved how good and evil were not always obvious, as well as how, as the author put it, not all battles are fought with swords in this book. It might have had dragons, adventures, and duels; but it also had complexity and evoked big questions like “Is order worth it when it is holding people back from being their true selves?” and “Would you choose being yourself over being free?”.
All in all, a delightfully diverse and uplifting story full of adventures and valuable life lessons. I highly recommend.
An exciting coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, tolerance, and found family.
In Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, nothing is as simple as it seems to be, and grown-ups are not always reliable even when they mean well. When push comes to shove, it is up to Callie and their friends to put things in order: calling out villains, challenging the unfair status quo, and riding out to rescue their own.
I particularly loved how Callie had a rich network of chosen family and friends, but was still allowed to make their own choices and go about their own battles: how having support did not interfere with their independent growth as a person. I also loved how good and evil were not always obvious, as well as how, as the author put it, not all battles are fought with swords in this book. It might have had dragons, adventures, and duels; but it also had complexity and evoked big questions like “Is order worth it when it is holding people back from being their true selves?” and “Would you choose being yourself over being free?”.
All in all, a delightfully diverse and uplifting story full of adventures and valuable life lessons. I highly recommend.